Shop for vivid, dark green spinach with firm leaves and stems. Avoid those with excessively thick, tough or woody stem ends.

Smooth-leaf spinach is most often sold in bunches. Medium and Savoy varieties are more likely to be found loose or washed and partly stemmed in plastic packages.

It's relatively perishable and should be wrapped and stored in the refrigerator. It's best eaten as soon as possible after buying.