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bag of washed kale in freezer bag
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How to Freeze Kale

Learn how to freeze kale to food prep for future recipes and help reduce food waste.
Course Ingredient
Cuisine American
Keyword freezing kale, preserving, smoothies
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 3 minutes
Total Time 8 minutes
Servings 1 bunch
Calories 64kcal

Equipment

  • knife and cutting board
  • salad spinner
  • Ziplock bag or airtight container
  • paper towels
  • pot and mixing bowl (optional)

Ingredients

  • 1 bunch kale

Instructions

  • For curly kale, remove the stems by holding the end of the stem in one hand and using your other hand to strip the leaves and separate them from the stems. I like to keep the stems of dinosaur kale intact. You have the option to cut the leaves into smaller pieces depending on your preference.
    stripping kale from stems
  • Clean the kale under running water and submerge in water for 2 minutes to remove excess dirt.
    soaking kale in water
  • To blanch kale before freezing: Heat a pot of boiling water and prepare an iced bath. Add the clean kale in the boiling water and cook for 2 minutes or until it begins to wilt. Transfer it immediately to the ice bath to stop the cooking. Place the leaves on a paper towel to remove excess water and then transfer into an airtight container, removing as much air as possible.
  • To freeze kale raw: Use a salad spinner to remove excess water or use a paper towel to pat the leaves dry. Transfer into an airtight container and remove as much air inside as possible without crushing the kale.
    kale dried in salad spinner
  • Mark and label the containers for the date of freezing and best by date and store in the freezer making sure to use raw kale within 4-6 weeks and blanched kale within 12 months.
    bagged kale ready for freezer

Nutrition

Calories: 64kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 49mg | Potassium: 638mg | Vitamin A: 12987IU | Vitamin C: 156mg | Calcium: 195mg | Iron: 2mg