Boiling Spinach

[murphinvert]

Is boiling spinach needed to give to crs, and other shrimps? If so why is this necessary?

[shrimpsdotcoza]

blanching is used to destroy the enzymes that can cause the vegetables to rot if left alive. it also breaks down the cell wall and makes the vegetables softer and there fore more palatable. so blanched vegetables are cleaner and healthier for your shrimps. not to mention it got a nice wash while boiling..

[Summit MicroFarm]

I agree with shrimpsdotcoza completely. I do know that many people also feed "raw" vegetable matter to their shrimps as well. I feed mine raw (not blanched/boiled) pumpkin in season, and I know that fresh/raw stinging nettle leaves are a favorite, as are mulberry tree leaves. I get organic chopped spinach in a frozen bag and then just drop some into a coffee cup with ro water and put it in the microwave for 1:30 and feed. They LOVE it and it does not have a chance to rot as it is usually eaten within an hour. I only use a small amount for each tank though.

[Hwynette]

I agree with shrimpsdotcoza completely. I do know that many people also feed "raw" vegetable matter to their shrimps as well. I feed mine raw (not blanched/boiled) pumpkin in season, and I know that fresh/raw stinging nettle leaves are a favorite, as are mulberry tree leaves. I get organic chopped spinach in a frozen bag and then just drop some into a coffee cup with ro water and put it in the microwave for 1:30 and feed. They LOVE it and it does not have a chance to rot as it is usually eaten within an hour. I only use a small amount for each tank though.

Great Tip! When you say you drop "some", how many shrimp are you feeding and how much is some? I only have 6 so I don't want to over-do it. I'm headed for the organic isle...

[murphinvert]

Thanks for the advice

I agree with shrimpsdotcoza completely. I do know that many people also feed "raw" vegetable matter to their shrimps as well. I feed mine raw (not blanched/boiled) pumpkin in season, and I know that fresh/raw stinging nettle leaves are a favorite, as are mulberry tree leaves. I get organic chopped spinach in a frozen bag and then just drop some into a coffee cup with ro water and put it in the microwave for 1:30 and feed. They LOVE it and it does not have a chance to rot as it is usually eaten within an hour. I only use a small amount for each tank though.

[zergling]

Blanching spinach leaves also makes sure it'll sink down and not float up. This is particularly helpful in tanks with lots of flow.

[Deep6]

If I put unblanched Spinach in the tank, it will sit for hours before anyone touches it. But if I blanch, they flock to it immediately.