How to Freeze Kale

Name: How to freeze kale
Prep time: 2 min
Cook time: 3 min
Ingredients: 1 bunch of kale; Water; Ice

Kale is a healthy and versatile vegetable that can be used in many different dishes. However, it can be difficult to know how to store kale so that it stays fresh for as long as possible.

One way to preserve kale is to freeze it. Freezing kale is a simple process that can be done at home.

Bowl of fresh kale on a concrete counter

Freezing kale is a great way to preserve this healthy and versatile vegetable. By following these simple steps, you can enjoy kale all year long.

To freeze kale, follow these steps:

Wash the kale leaves thoroughly.
Remove the stems from the leaves.
Chop the leaves into small pieces.
Blanch the kale leaves for 2-3 minutes in boiling water.
Immediately plunge the kale leaves into a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process.
Drain the kale leaves and pat them dry with a paper towel.
Spread the kale pieces out on a baking sheet in a single layer.
Freeze the kale for at least 24 hours.
Once the kale is frozen, transfer it to freezer bags or containers.
Label the bags or containers with the date and contents.

Blanching kale before freezing helps to preserve its color and flavor. It also helps to kill any bacteria that may be present on the leaves. By following these simple steps, you can enjoy fresh, healthy kale all year long.

Additional Tips

To save space in the freezer, you can also freeze kale juice. Simply juice the kale leaves and pour the juice into ice cube trays. Once the juice is frozen, transfer it to freezer bags or containers.
Kale can also be dehydrated. To dehydrate kale, spread the leaves out on a dehydrator tray and dehydrate them at a low temperature for several hours. Once the kale is dehydrated, store it in an airtight container.
Kale can also be canned. To can kale, follow the instructions on a canning recipe.

Also, learn how to freeze artichokes or even how to freeze kohlrabi on my blog as well.

What is the best way to preserve kale?

There are a few different ways to preserve kale. You can freeze it, dehydrate it, or can it. Freezing is the easiest way to preserve kale, and it will retain most of its nutrients.

Dehydration is a good option if you want to store kale for a longer period of time, but it can be time-consuming.

Canning kale is a good option if you want to preserve its flavor and texture, but it requires special equipment.

Make sure that your kale is fresh before your freeze it by learning how to tell if kale is bad.

Should I wash kale before freezing?

Yes, definitely! We always want to ensure our veggies are clean before we freeze them. Washing kale is simple. Place the leaves in a large bowl of cold water and gently agitate them.

This will help dislodge any dirt or tiny critters that might be hiding. Drain the water, and repeat the process until your kale is squeaky clean.

Can you freeze fresh kale without blanching?

Yes, you can freeze fresh kale without blanching, but it will not last as long in the freezer. Blanching kale helps to preserve its color and flavor.

To blanch kale, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the kale leaves to the boiling water and cook for 2-3 minutes.

Remove the kale leaves from the boiling water and immediately plunge them into a bowl of ice water. This will stop the cooking process and preserve the color and flavor of the kale.

How long will kale last in the freezer?

If properly stored, kale can last in the freezer for about 8 to 12 months for the best quality. However, it won’t go bad or become unsafe to eat after this time as long as it has been kept consistently frozen at 0°F.

So, next time you see a deal on kale, stock up! Your future self will thank you.

Should I thaw frozen kale before using it?

You do not need to thaw frozen kale before using it. You can add it directly to soups, stews, or smoothies.

However, if you are using kale in a dish where it needs to be cooked, you may want to thaw it first. To thaw kale, simply remove it from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for a few hours.

Frequently asked questions about how to freeze kale

Properly stored, frozen kale can maintain its quality for about 8 to 12 months in the freezer. However, it’s safe to eat beyond this timeframe if it’s been consistently stored at 0°F.

Freezing kale can actually help maintain its nutritional value, especially if it’s blanched first. This quick heat treatment deactivates enzymes that could degrade nutrients over time, so your frozen kale remains packed with goodness.

For most recipes, like soups, stews, and smoothies, frozen kale can be used directly. However, for sautéing or stir-frying, it’s better to thaw and drain your kale first to prevent excess moisture.

Conclusion

Freezing kale is an effective, easy, and efficient way to preserve this nutrient-packed green. Wash, blanch, freeze, and store correctly, and you’ll have kale ready at your fingertips for your cooking adventures.

Don’t shy away from buying that big bunch of kale next time, because now you know the secret to keeping it fresh!