How to Freeze Kale
Here are the simple steps to freeze kale to preserve its freshness and flavor for savory dinners, soups, smoothies, and more.
Prep Time5 minutes mins
Cook Time5 minutes mins
Freeze Time20 minutes mins
Total Time30 minutes mins
Course: Healthy
Cuisine: American
Diet: Diabetic, Low Calorie, Low Fat
Keyword: kale
Servings: 10 ounces
- 10 ounces fresh kale any variety
Freezing Blanched Kale
Wash and dry the kale thoroughly. Remove the tough kale stems and chop the leaves into bite-sized pieces.
Boil a large pot of water and carefully add the chopped kale. Boil for 2-3 minutes, then immediately transfer the kale to an ice bath (a large bowl of ice water). Let it cool for a few minutes.
Drain the kale thoroughly and pat dry with paper towels or a clean kitchen towel to remove any excess water to prevent freezer burn.
Lay the blanched kale on a large cookie sheet and flash freeze for 20-30 then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag and store in the freezer for up to 6 months.
Blanched or Fresh? Blanching kale before freezing helps prevent it from developing a bitter taste and it also helps maintain the vibrant green color. If you have the time and tools, it's better to blanch kale before freezing, although both will work.
Thawing Frozen Kale: add the frozen kale directly to dishes like stew or soup because it will thaw as it cooks. You can also place frozen kale directly into a smoothie. Thaw the kale overnight in the refrigerator first if you plan to use it in a raw dish, like a salad, or if you plan to saute it because frozen kale will release too much moisture into the pan.
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 139kcal | Carbohydrates: 24.8g | Protein: 12.1g | Fat: 2.6g | Sodium: 107.7mg | Fiber: 10.2g | Sugar: 6.4g | Vitamin A: 1417.5IU | Vitamin C: 340.2mg