I remember the first time I had collard greens. It was at my grandmother’s house and she made them with bacon. They were so good! After that, I started seeing collard greens everywhere. In the grocery store, in restaurant dishes, and even in my own kitchen. But can you freeze collard greens? I decided to find out. Here’s what I found out about freezing collard greens.
Quick Answer
Yes, you can freeze collard greens. They will lose some of their flavor and texture, but they will last for several months in the freezer.
When you are ready to use them, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or defrost them in the microwave. Stir them a few times as they are microwaving to prevent any hot spots from developing.
Can You Freeze Collard Greens?
Yes, you can freeze collard greens. The impact on taste will be minimal, and the impact on texture will be virtually nonexistent. The greens will last in the freezer for about four months.
How To Freeze Collard Greens?
Collard greens are a healthy and delicious winter vegetable. Here are the steps to freeze them:
1. Wash the collard greens in cold water, then spin them dry in a salad spinner.
2. Cut off the tough stems, then stack the leaves and roll them up like a cigar.
3. Cut the rolled-up greens into 1″ slices, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet.
4. Freeze the baking sheet of collard greens for 2 hours, or until they are frozen solid.
5. Remove the frozen collard greens from the baking sheet and place them in a resealable freezer bag.
6. Store the freezer bag in the freezer, where it will keep for up to 6 months.
Precautions to Take When Freezing Collard Greens
Collard greens are a great vegetable to freeze. They can be used in smoothies, soups, or stews. Before freezing them, there are a few things you need to do to prep them.
1. Rinse the collard greens and remove any dirt or debris.
2. Cut away the tough stem from the leaves.
3. Stack the leaves and cut them into thin strips.
4. Blanch the strips in boiling water for one minute.
5. Remove them from the boiling water and place them in ice water to cool down quickly.
6. Drain the ice water and place the strips in a freezer-safe bag or container.
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How To Thaw Frozen Collard Greens
The quickest way to thaw frozen collard greens is to place them in a colander and run cold water over them until they are soft, which should take about 10 minutes.
Another way to thaw collard greens is to place them in a bowl and cover with cold water. Let them soak for 30 minutes, then drain and rinse.
You can also microwave frozen collard greens. Place them on a microwavable plate and cover with plastic wrap or wax paper. Microwave on high for 3-4 minutes, or until thawed.
Lastly, you can defrost collard greens in the refrigerator overnight.
How Long Does Collard Greens Last (Stays Fresh) Outside at Room Temperature?
Collard greens will stay fresh for about five to seven days when stored in a plastic bag in the refrigerator. They can also be stored in the freezer for up to six months. To freeze, first blanch the collard greens for two minutes and then place them in a Ziploc bag. Make sure to squeeze out all of the air before sealing.
How Long Does Collard Greens Last (Stays Fresh) in the Fridge?
Collard greens are a healthy, leafy green vegetable that can last up to a week in the fridge. They are a good source of vitamins A, C and K, as well as dietary fiber. Collard greens can be eaten cooked or raw.
To store collard greens in the fridge, first rinse them and trim off the tough stems. Separate the leaves and spread them out on a clean kitchen towel to air-dry. Once they are dry, place them in a zip-top bag or plastic container and store in the fridge. They will stay fresh for up to one week.
How To Use Up Extra/Leftover Collard Greens?
There are many ways to use up extra or leftover collard greens. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
1) Sauté them with onions and garlic for a quick side dish.
2) Use them as the filling for tacos or burritos.
3) Add them to soups or stews.
4) Toss them with some olive oil and roast in the oven.
5) Make a pesto with collard greens, Parmesan cheese, and pine nuts.