You know how sometimes you only want a handful of kale with your supper and half of the bag goes to waste?
It, can you freeze kale, and how can you do so in the most effective way? Let’s see what happens!
Kale may be stored in the freezer for up to 6 months. To freeze kale, first, trim it, blanch it, and then pack it into an ice cube tray before freezing the kale cubes.
How to Freeze Kale
If you want to freeze kale as quickly as possible, this is the method you use. This method is applicable to all kale kinds, including curly kale, Russian kale, and red kale:
Wash the kale
First and foremost, you must wash your kale. To eliminate any dirt or bugs, give it a clean rinse under cold water.
Trim the kale
After cleaning, remove the main stem and any woody sections before cutting them into bite-sized pieces as usual.
Prepare for Blanching
Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. While you wait, fill a basin with ice-cold water.
Blanch the kale
Submerge your kale in the boiling water and let it cook for 2 minutes. Once blanched, immediately remove from the heat and immerse in cold water to halt the cooking process.
Dry the kale
Pat the kale dry with a paper towel. You may even need to gently compress it to eliminate as much extra water as possible.
Pack Into An Ice Cube Tray
Place your greens in an ice cube tray. Depending on the size of your tray, one or two cubes will be enough for a single-serve.
Freeze the kale
Place the ice cube tray in the freezer for several hours to allow the cubes to solidify.
Bag Up and Refreeze
After the cubes have frozen, remove the tray, take them out, and put them in a freezer bag.
Once you’ve mastered freezing kale, you can apply the same technique to other green crops like spinach, cavolo nero, and beetroot tips.
Tips for Freezing Kale
Now that you know how to freeze it, here are our three top advice for getting the greatest results when freezing kale:
- Freeze into Cubes
You can simply grab a bit at a time by freezing it into cubes. If you don’t have an ice cube tray or like larger servings, use a cupcake or muffin tin.
Mix with Other Greens
If you’re going to use your kale cubes in smoothies, consider combining them with other greens. You might also include spinach, broccoli, or lettuce.
Blanching
Yes, blanching takes time, but when freezing kale (and other greens), we strongly recommend blanching it to maintain the texture, color, flavor, and nutrients.
How Long Can You Freeze Kale?
If you don’t blanch the kale, it should be consumed within two months. If the kale has been blanched, it can be stored in the freezer for up to 6 months.
Beyond this period, it will be absolutely safe to consume, but the flavor and texture will begin to decline.
As always, we recommend labeling your kale with the expiration date so you can simply plan your meals and prevent wasting them.
How Do You Defrost Kale?
Kale leaves do not need to be defrosted since they are fragile and delicate. Simply throw a frozen cube in a pan over low heat to defrost. Once thawed, season with salt and pepper, add a knob of butter and sauté until just done.
These kale ice cubes may also be used in smoothies. Simply combine them with the rest of the ingredients in a blender. The frozen kale will also aid in the cooling of your smoothie.
Can You Refreeze Kale?
Unfortunately, refreezing kale is not recommended since it might ruin the texture. The kale will get soggy and mushy as a result of the cooking process. You also run the risk of substantially altering the flavor.
Does Kale Freeze Well?
Kale freezes well, especially if blanched prior. The only time it won’t work is if you plan on putting it in a massaged kale salad with raw kale.
There is a potential that the texture will be off.
Conclusion
Kale works well straight from the freezer. It’s the ideal way to preserve it and prevent wasting it, especially if you have a surplus. Just make sure you follow our freezing instructions.
