If you are like me, you probably have a lot of kale in your fridge right now. I don’t know about you, but I can only eat so much kale before I start to get sick of it. So what do you do with the extra kale? Can you freeze it for smoothies?
Quick Answer
Yes, you can freeze kale for smoothies. The taste and texture will be a little different than fresh kale, but it will still be edible. It might not last as long in the freezer as fresh kale, though.
Kale is a great vegetable to freeze because it doesn’t get soggy like some vegetables do. Simply wash and chop the kale, then put it in a sealed bag or container and freeze. When you’re ready to make your smoothie, just take out the amount of kale you need and thaw it in the fridge overnight.
Can You Freeze Kale for Smoothies?
When it comes to smoothies, kale is a popular ingredient because of its nutrient density and slightly sweet flavor. But what happens if you don’t finish the kale in your smoothie right away and want to save some for later? Can you freeze kale for smoothies?
The short answer is yes, you can freeze kale for smoothies. However, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, freezing will affect the taste and texture of the kale. It may be a little less sweet and have a more icy texture once it’s thawed. Second, frozen kale will only last for about two months in the freezer. So if you’re planning on making several smoothies with frozen kale, you’ll need to plan ahead.
How To Freeze Kale for Smoothies?
When you have an abundance of kale, freezing it is a great way to preserve it for later use. Here are the simple steps to freeze kale for smoothies:
1. Remove the leaves from the stems and discard any wilted or damaged leaves.
2. Wash the leaves thoroughly in cold water.
3. Dry the leaves with a clean kitchen towel or salad spinner.
4. Spread the leaves out on a baking sheet and freeze for 2-3 hours, or until they are solid.
5. Transfer the frozen leaves to a resealable bag or container and store in the freezer until ready to use.
Precautions to Take When Freezing Kale for Smoothies
When you want to blend up a kale smoothie but don’t have any fresh kale on hand, freeze some. Frozen kale is still good for you and can make a delicious smoothie. Here are some tips on how to freeze kale for smoothies:
1. Rinse the kale leaves and pat them dry.
2. Remove the tough stems and chop the leaves into small pieces.
3. Spread the chopped kale on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze for about 2 hours, or until solid.
4. Transfer the frozen kale to a resealable bag or container and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
5. To use, thaw the frozen kale in the fridge overnight or in a bowl of warm water for about 10 minutes.
How To Thaw Frozen Kale for Smoothies
To thaw frozen kale for smoothies, follow these steps:
1. Remove the desired amount of kale from the freezer.
2. Place the kale in a bowl of warm water.
3. Let the kale sit in the warm water for about 5 minutes, or until it is thawed.
4. Drain the water from the bowl and add the thawed kale to your smoothie!
How Long Does Kale for Smoothies Last (Stays Fresh) Outside at Room Temperature?
Kale can last up to 7 days if stored in a perforated bag in the fridge.
Kale can last up to 2 days if stored at room temperature, but it is recommended to store it in the fridge if you have the option.
How Long Does Kale for Smoothies Last (Stays Fresh) in the Fridge?
If you’re using kale for smoothies, it will last about 3-4 days in the fridge. Kale is a cruciferous vegetable, and like all cruciferous vegetables, it contains sulfur-containing compounds that give it its bitter taste. These sulfur-containing compounds are also responsible for kale’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
However, while these sulfur-containing compounds are beneficial in small doses, they can be harmful in large doses. That’s why it’s important to only eat kale in moderation, and to avoid eating large quantities of kale on a regular basis. Too much kale can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
How To Use Up Extra/Leftover Kale for Smoothies?
You can use leftover kale in a smoothie by chopping it up and adding it to your blender. Here are a few ideas of recipes you can make:
-Green smoothie: mix kale with banana, mango, or any other sweet fruit.
-Vegetable juice blend: mix kale with celery, cucumber, and apple for a refreshing drink.
-Berry protein shake: mix kale with strawberries, blueberries, and vanilla protein powder for a nutritious snack.
-Spinach almond milk shake: mix kale with spinach, almonds, honey, and vanilla extract for a delicious and healthy shake.