You can absolutely freeze kale! In fact, freezing is one of the best ways to preserve the nutrients and flavor of this leafy green. When properly frozen, kale will last for up to 8 months in your freezer.
Here’s everything you need to know about freezing kale, including how to prepare it and what to do with it once it’s frozen.
HOW TO FREEZE KALE!
- Rinse the kale in cool water and shake off any excess moisture
- Spread the kale out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat
- Place the baking sheet in the freezer and freeze for 2-3 hours, or until the kale is frozen solid
- Remove the frozen kale from the freezer and transfer to a zip-top bag or container
- Label the bag with the date and return to the freezer for long-term storage
Can You Freeze Kale Without Blanching
You can absolutely freeze kale without blanching it first! In fact, freezing kale is a great way to preserve its nutrients and flavor. Here’s how to do it:
1. Wash the kale thoroughly in cool water. Shake off any excess water and pat the leaves dry with a towel.
2. Remove the tough stems from the kale leaves.
You can either chop them into small pieces or discard them altogether.
3. Spread the kale leaves out on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer. Make sure they’re not touching each other so that they Freeze evenly.
4. Once frozen, transfer the kale leaves to a freezer-safe container or bag.
Can You Freeze Kale Pesto
Kale pesto is a flavorful, nutrient-rich condiment that can be made in large batches and frozen for later use. Kale leaves are packed with vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals like iron and calcium. When blended into a pesto, these nutrients are easily absorbed by the body.
Kale pesto can be used in a variety of ways. It makes an excellent topping for pasta or pizza, and can also be used as a dip for fresh vegetables or crackers. Kale pesto can also be added to soups or stews for extra flavor and nutrition.
To make kale pesto, simply combine kale leaves, olive oil, Parmesan cheese, garlic, salt and pepper in a food processor or blender. Blend until smooth and store in a covered container in the fridge for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze kale pesto in ice cube trays or small freezer-safe containers.
Can You Freeze Kale for Smoothies
If you’re like me, you often find yourself with more kale than you know what to do with. Luckily, kale freezes well and can be used in smoothies! Here’s how to do it:
First, wash your kale and remove the stems. I like to tear the leaves into smaller pieces so they’re easier to blend. Then, place the kale in a freezer-safe bag and squeeze out as much air as possible.
Label the bag with the date and pop it in the freezer.
When you’re ready to make a smoothie, just grab a handful of frozen kale from the bag and add it to your blender along with your other ingredients. No need to thaw first – just blend away!
The frozen kale will give your smoothie a lovely thick consistency. Enjoy!
How Long Can You Freeze Kale
Kale is a superfood that is packed with vitamins and minerals. It can be enjoyed fresh, frozen, or canned. When kale is frozen, it will maintain its nutritional value for up to 12 months.
After 12 months, the kale will start to lose its nutrients. So, if you want to enjoy the health benefits of kale, make sure to consume it within one year of freezing it.
How to Blanch Kale for Freezing
If you’re like me, you love kale. It’s a superfood that is packed with nutrients and has a great flavor. But if you’re not careful, it can go bad quickly.
That’s why I always blanch my kale before freezing it. Blanching is a process of boiling the kale for a short period of time, then plunging it into ice water. This helps to preserve the nutrients in the kale and prevents it from going bad as quickly.
Here’s how to blanch kale for freezing:
1. Bring a pot of water to a boil.
2. Add the kale and let it cook for 2-3 minutes.
3. Remove the kale from the pot with a slotted spoon and place it in a bowl of ice water.
4. Let the kale cool for a few minutes, then remove it from the water and pat dry with a paper towel.
Can You Freeze Fresh Kale Without Blanching?
You can freeze fresh kale without blanching it. To do so, simply wash the kale leaves and remove any tough stems. Then, place the kale leaves in a single layer on a baking sheet and put them in the freezer.
Once frozen, you can transfer the kale to a freezer bag or container. When you’re ready to use the frozen kale, just thaw it out and cook it as you would any other leafy green vegetable.
Is It Better to Freeze Kale Raw Or Cooked?
It is better to freeze kale raw. When you cook kale, it changes the structure of the leaves and makes them less nutritious. Freezing kale preserves all of its nutrients and keeps it fresh for longer.
Can You Freeze a Bag of Fresh Kale?
Yes, you can freeze a bag of fresh kale. First, wash the kale and remove any tough stems. Next, blanch the kale in boiling water for two minutes.
Drain the kale and then place it in a freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible from the bag and then seal it. Freeze the kale for up to six months.
Does Freezing Kale Ruin It?
It’s a common question – can you freeze kale and still have it retain its nutrient dense goodness? The answer is yes! Freezing kale is a great way to preserve this leafy green vegetable so that you can enjoy it all year long.
Here’s what you need to know about freezing kale to make sure that your greens are as healthy and flavorful as possible.
When it comes to freezing kale, there are two methods that you can use – blanching or freezing without blanching. Blanching is a quick process of boiling the kale for a short period of time before cooling it down and then freezing it.
This helps to stop the enzyme action which can cause loss of color, flavor, and nutrients in the vegetable. Freezing without blanching is a simpler method and doesn’t require any cooking. Just wash the kale thoroughly, remove the tough stems, dry it well, and then place it in freezer bags.
Be sure to squeeze out as much air as possible from the bags before sealing them so that your kale stays fresh for longer periods of time.
Both methods will result in delicious, frozen kale that retains its nutrients and flavor. So if you’re looking for an easy way to add more greens into your diet, don’t forget to stock up on some frozen kale!
Conclusion
Kale is a versatile vegetable that can be used in a variety of dishes. It can be eaten raw, cooked, or frozen. When freezing kale, it is important to blanch it first.
Blanching helps to preserve the color and texture of the kale. After blanching, the kale should be placed in an airtight container and stored in the freezer for up to six months.
