Can You Freeze Kale?

Questioning if you happen to can freeze kale? This leafy inexperienced vegetable holds up extremely properly: right here’s the best way to do it!

Bought a load of kale and undecided the best way to use it up? We frequently will purchase a bunch with excessive hopes, solely to have just a few leaves lurking within the produce bin days later. Right here’s a tip to assist cut back on meals waste: attempt freezing kale! Some greens turn out to be mushy or soggy after freezing, however this leafy inexperienced holds up terribly properly. Then you may drop the frozen leaves into soups or smoothies: no defrosting required!

Are you able to freeze kale?

Kale freezes very properly: the flavour of the vegetable is preserved throughout the course of. Kale additionally retains extra of its hearty texture when frozen in comparison with different leafy greens like spinach. It will possibly’t be used uncooked in salads, nevertheless it’s perfect for including to cooked dishes like sautés, soups, and stews. It’s additionally nice for smoothies. You should use chopped frozen kale proper in cooked or blended dishes with out thawing it.

How lengthy does kale final within the fridge?

Saved within the produce drawer within the fridge, kale lasts about 1 week. Should you’d prefer to protect it past that time, you may freeze kale for 3 to six months. Kale doesn’t require blanching like different greens, so it makes it fast and simple to pop within the freezer.

Easy methods to freeze kale

Kale is extraordinarily simple to freeze: you may merely pop the leaves proper into the freezer. Many greens require blanching first, which helps to lock of their colour and helps them last more within the freezer. However this leafy inexperienced works properly uncooked! Right here’s the best way to freeze kale:

1. Chop: Destem and chop the kale.
2. Flash freeze: Rinse the leaves below chilly water, then pat them as dry as attainable. Place the chopped kale on prime of the baking sheet (stacking is okay). Flash freeze for 1 hour.
3. Place the kale in an hermetic container or freezer-safe plastic bag. If utilizing a bag, use a straw to suck any remaining air out of the bag and seal it.
4. Mark the “Use by” date. Use a everlasting marker to label with a “use by” date that’s 3 months sooner or later.
5. Freeze. Place the container or bag within the freezer and freeze for as much as 3 to six months. For finest outcomes, use in 3 months.

Suggestions for the best way to use frozen kale

Frozen kale can be utilized proper from the freezer in cooked dishes: no have to defrost earlier than utilizing them! Listed here are just a few ideas:

• Use frozen kale solely in cooked or blended dishes, like sautes, soups, stews, and smoothies. Don’t eat it uncooked in salads as a result of the feel turns into softer after freezing.
• The frozen chopped leaves might be added proper to dishes: no defrosting is required.
• Use inside 3 to six months. The flavour and texture can degrade the longer meals are frozen. For finest outcomes, use it inside 3 months.

Kale recipes

This leafy inexperienced is extremely versatile! Listed here are just a few of our prime kale recipes that work with each frozen and uncooked kale: