Can kale be frozen? – A couple of cooks

Wondering if you can freeze kale? This leafy green vegetable holds up incredibly well – that’s how it’s done!

Got a bunch of kale and not sure how to use it? We often buy a bunch with high hopes, only to have a few leaves lurking in the produce bin days later. Here’s a tip to help reduce food waste: try freezing the kale! Some vegetables get mushy or soggy after freezing, but this leafy green keeps up remarkably well. You can then spoon the frozen leaves into soups or smoothies – no need to thaw!

Can you freeze kale?

Kale freezes very well – the taste of the vegetable is preserved during the process. Kale also retains more of its hearty texture when frozen compared to other leafy greens like spinach. It can’t be used raw in salads, but it’s great for adding to cooked dishes like stir-fries, soups, and stews. It is also ideal for smoothies. You can use chopped frozen kale directly in cooked or combination dishes without thawing.

How long does kale last in the fridge?

Stored in the produce drawer of the refrigerator, kale lasts about 1 week. If you want to keep it beyond that point, you can freeze the kale for 3-6 months. Kale doesn’t require blanching like other vegetables, so it makes it quick and easy to pop in the freezer.

How to freeze kale

Kale is extremely easy to freeze – you can simply pop the leaves right into the freezer. Many vegetables require blanching first, which helps set their color and helps them last longer in the freezer. But this leafy green works well raw! Here’s how to freeze kale:

1. Cut: Destemming and dicing the kale.
2. Instant Freeze: Rinse the leaves under cold water, then dry them as much as possible. Place the chopped kale on top of the baking sheet (it can be stacked). Flash freeze for 1 hour.
3. Place kale in an airtight container or freezer-safe plastic bag.. If you use a bag, use a straw to suck any remaining air out of the bag and seal it.
4. Mark the expiration date. Use a permanent marker to label with an expiration date 3 months in the future.
5. Freeze. Place the container or bag in the freezer and freeze for up to 3 to 6 months. For best results, use within 3 months.

Tips on How to Use Frozen Kale

Frozen kale can be used straight from the freezer in cooked dishes – no need to thaw before using! Here are some tips:

• Use frozen kale only in cooked or combination dishessuch as stir-fries, soups, stews, and smoothies. Don’t eat it raw in salads because the texture becomes softer after freezing.
• Frozen chopped leaves can be added directly to dishes.: no need to defrost.
• Use within 3 to 6 months. Flavor and texture can degrade the longer food is frozen. For best results, use within 3 months.

Kale Recipes

This leafy green is incredibly versatile! Here are some of our best kale recipes that work with both frozen and raw kale: