Lately, I’ve been getting into green smoothies. I really like having one in the morning and my husband likes it too. Most of the time kale is our main ingredient along with other greens like spinach. Lately though, I keep getting my kale spoiled after a few days. Would like to know if it’s possible to freeze kale to preserve it?
Kale is a great source of fiber and because of its low calorie and low fat, it has become a popular ingredient for diet smoothies. There is no doubt that kale is one of the most nutritious plants in the market.
If you are planning on freezing kale to store in your refrigerator, the answer is a resounding yes! It is possible to freeze for later consumption. A simple process of blanching can prolong the life of your kale for as long as eight to 12 months.
Can You Freeze Kale?
Freezing kale entails a decision of whether or not to blanch it. Unblanched kale lasts for a short four to six weeks so this is a good method if you will be using the kale within that time frame.
On the other hand, if you would opt your kale to prolong its freshness to about eight to 12 months, it is best to blanch the kale. It’s a simple and proven method to keep the kale leaves and branches fresh and flavorful.
The downside however of choosing not to blanch kale is that it acquires a strong bitter flavor through time. While it won’t be the best option to eat this raw because of the taste, unblanched kale is still great for flavorful soups. In this way, the spices in the soup can drown out the bitter taste of the kale.
To defrost your frozen kale, place a cup of water in a hot pot and dissolve a half teaspoon of salt. Have enough water to submerge the frozen kale completely. Cover the pot with a lid until it boils.
Boil the kale for about eight to 12 minutes or until boiled tender. Observe the kale and see that the leaves and branches should still be bright green.
Afterwards, drain the kale using a colander or strainer. Do not leave the kale in the hot water for very long as it may continue cooking and be overcooked if not drained immediately. That’s it! Now you have crunchy defrosted kale for your green smoothies or for your soups and meals.
How to Freeze Kale?
Freezing kale is a good way to preserve its freshness. There are two different methods to freezing kale. You can choose whether or not to blanch kale. If you are planning to use the kale within a short four to six weeks, then it is okay not to blanch kale. However, for longer preservation that lasts about eight to 12 months, it is best to blanch the kale.
Here are the steps in blanching kale:
- Wash the kale thoroughly under running water.
- Bring a pot of water to a boil. Make sure there is enough water to submerge the kale completely.
- Submerge the kale into the boiling water and leave it for about three minutes.
- While the kale is boiling, prepare a separate bowl with water and a few ice cubes.
- Once the three minutes of boiling is up, place the kale leaves and stems in the bowl of ice water. Let it cool for about ten minutes.
- Using a strainer, drain out the kale and place them in a cheesecloth or towel. Make sure to squeeze out all excess water.
- Gather the kale into your desired portions and you may now place them in airtight containers or in freezer bags. Remove all excess air from the freezer bag before sealing.
- Place the kale in your freezer.
Now you have ample stock of kale that is easily accessible for your healthy smoothies and meals.
How To Use Up Extra/Leftover Kale?
Kale is a nutrient-rich leafy green that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. But what do you do when you have extra kale? Here are five delicious ways to use up your leftover kale:
- Make a healthy smoothie – Kale makes a great addition to any smoothie. Just add it to a blender with some milk and yogurt, and you’ll have a delicious and healthy drink in no time.
- Add it to your soup – Kale is a great way to add some extra nutrients to your soup. Just add it in with your other favorite ingredients, and you’ll have a hearty and healthy meal in no time.
- Make a kale salad – Kale salads are a popular and healthy way to enjoy this leafy green. There are many different recipes available, so you can find one that fits your taste.
- Use it as a pizza topping – Kale makes a great pizza topping. Just add it on top of your favorite pizza, and you’ll have a delicious and healthy meal in no time.
- Make kale chips – Kale chips are a popular snack that is both delicious and healthy. To make kale chips, simply wash and dry the kale leaves. Remove the stem and ribs from the leaves and cut into bite-sized pieces. Spread the kale on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil. Season with salt and pepper, if desired. Bake at 400 degrees for 10-15 minutes, or until the kale is crisp.
So there you have it – five delicious ways to use up your leftover kale. Next time you find yourself with extra kale, try one of these recipes and enjoy!
Kale Recipes
It is a great idea to include kale into your diet because of its nutritious elements. Here are a few recipes you can try out with your defrosted kale. First is a recipe for garlic kale dish. This meal is a scrumptious addition to your recipe book:
Go healthy all the way with this classic vegetarian chickpea curry with fresh kale. Aside from making green smoothies, this is another great alternative for your defrosted kale:
Infuse the bold and tasty Indian flavors into your meal with this recipe. It’s a vegetarian recipe perfect for all health buffs:
Wrap Up
Yes, you can freeze kale. Kale is a healthy green that will last in the freezer for 6 months or so if stored properly. If you want to enjoy frozen kale at a later date, here are some tips: Wash the leaves and remove the stems. Drain them completely. Dab them dry with paper towels or clean kitchen cloths. Put them in air-tight bags and seal tightly (make sure you push out all of the air and attach a label for future reference). Once it is frozen, put it in your refrigerator so that you can use it within 2 weeks’ time
How do you plan to freeze your kale? Please share your experience below!