To keep kale for a long time, store it in the freezer. You can add it to smoothies for extra nutrients and thickness.
Freezing Kale
Kale is a popular ingredient in healthy smoothies. It adds nutrients, flavor, and a natural green color. The vegetable is usually added to smoothies fresh, but you can also use it frozen. This will help thicken and chill the drink.
Freezing kale will extend its shelf-life as well. In the freezer, it will keep for about 6 months, while it only lasts 1 week in the fridge.
Nutritionally, frozen kale is similar to fresh kale. The process of freezing will maintain its nutrient content.
RELATED: Kale Smoothie
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Place the kale in a large bowl. Fill it with cold water and let soak, moving around the leaves to clean them.
Step 2: Remove kale and place on a clean towel. Gently pat dry.
Step 3: Remove the leaves off the stem. Chop the leaves into smaller pieces.
Step 4: Put the kale in a freezer-safe silicone bag.Transfer the bag to the freezer.
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Expert Tips
Only freeze fresh kale.
Kale leaves should dark green, crisp, and firm. They shouldn’t be wilted or wrinkly. If you notice these signs, discard the kale and don’t freeze it.
Pat dry before freezing.
After washing the kale, pat it dry with a clean towel. It doesn’t have to be completely dry, but it shouldn’t be soaking wet.
If there’s too much moisture, the leaves will form large clumps.
Avoid overfilling the bag.
When packing the silicone bag with kale, don’t add too much. This can make it hard to properly close, increasing the risk of air entering and causing freezer burn.
Remove the extra air.
Before sealing the bag, press out the excess air. This will also help reduce freezer burn.
Questions You May Have
While kale won’t have the same texture as the fresh kind, it’s nutritionally similar. Freezing it will help slow down the breakdown of nutrients.
You can keep kale in the freezer for about 6 months. But the sooner you use it, the better.
Frozen kale should be added directly to smoothies. If thawed, the kale will become soggy.
More How-To Freeze Tutorials
- How to Freeze Blueberries
- How to Freeze Mangos
- How to Freeze Avocado
- How to Freeze Bananas
- How to Freeze Spinach Properly
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How to Freeze Kale
INGREDIENTS
- Kale
INSTRUCTIONS
- Soak the kale in a bowl.Place the kale in a large bowl. Fill it with cold water and let soak for 10 to 20 seconds, moving around the leaves to clean them.
- Dry the kale.Remove kale and place on a clean towel. Gently pat dry.
- Cut the kale.Remove the leaves off the stem. Chop the leaves into smaller pieces.
- Put the kale in a freezer-safe bag.Push out extra air and close to seal.
- Put the kale in the freezer for 1-2 hours.Transfer the bag to the freezer. Freeze for 1 to 2 hours, or until the kale is frozen.
NOTES
- Kale leaves should dark green, crisp, and firm. They shouldn’t be wilted or wrinkly. If you notice these signs, discard the kale and don’t freeze it.
- After washing the kale, pat it dry with a clean towel. It doesn’t have to be completely dry, but it shouldn’t be soaking wet either. If there’s too much moisture, the leaves will clump together.
- When packing the silicone bag with kale, don’t add too much. This can make it hard to properly close, increasing the risk of air entering and causing freezer burn.
- Before sealing the bag, press out the excess air. This will also help reduce freezer burn.