Does Freezing Kale Keep It Fresh?

Any raw kale can be frozen. So the next time you purchase too much at the store, don’t let it go to waste. Simply wash, chop, blanch, then flash-freeze your kale to enjoy at a later date.

Frozen kale will keep up to one year

, and can be used in a number of recipes.

Does freezing kale destroy nutrients?

Is frozen kale healthy?

Yes

! Frozen vegetables in general can actually be healthier that fresh veggies if they are picked and prepared at the peak of freshness when their vitamins are at there peak. Some vitamin C and B vitamins can be lost during the blanching process, but the majority of the nutrients are preserved.

Does freezing kale ruin it?

Kale, like few other vegetables, freezes beautifully — but

you have to deactivate enzymes in the kale before putting it in the freezer

. Most vegetables have these enzymes that cause the vegetables to continue aging and rotting even if the vegetable is frozen.

Is frozen kale just as good as fresh kale?

If you’re wondering whether frozen kale is as healthy as the fresh stuff, it totally is.

It has all of the same nutrients that fresh kale has

, and sometimes even more, depending on how “fresh” your fresh kale really is. … Frozen kale is also a great way to eat kale year round, when it’s not available locally.

Is frozen kale safe?

You can freeze kale without blanching

, but plan to use it within four to six weeks. … For frozen kale that lasts eight to 12 months, blanch leaves and stems. Blanch leaves for 2.5 minutes, covering the boiling water pot with a lid to steam-heat floating leaves. Blanch stems for 3 minutes.

Which is healthier spinach or kale?

The Bottom Line.

Kale and spinach

are highly nutritious and and associated with several benefits. While kale offers more than twice the amount of vitamin C as spinach, spinach provides more folate and vitamins A and K. Both are linked to improved heart health, increased weight loss, and protection against disease.

How long does kale last in freezer?

Once they’re frozen, transfer the kale leaves to a freezer bag and store in the freezer for

up to 8 months

.

What is frozen kale good for?

Use frozen kale in smoothies for a healthy kick, or saute with seasoned rice vinegar. For a spicier dish, saute kale in olive oil with garlic. Before serving, top with crushed red pepper. Frozen kale

blends well into quiche, crock pot stews, and soups

.

What can I do with abundance of kale?

1. Massage it in a salad. …
2. Make kale chips. …
3. Pair it with nuts. …
4. Try dinosaur kale. …
5. Throw it in the soup. …
6. Make it the green in “a grain, a green, and a bean.” …
7. Put kale in a burger. …
8. Put it in a green smoothie.

Is it OK to use frozen kale in smoothies?

The

kale can be used directly from the freezer for the smoothie

– no need to thaw. You can also use it soups and other recipes straight from the freezer. … The texture of the kale, spinach, or greens changes once it is frozen and then thawed. Other than that it is good to go.

Is frozen organic kale good for you?

An

excellent source of the antioxidant Vitamins A and C

, kale is a delicious way to boost the veggies in any meal! Try it tucked into cream pastas, rice or soups.

Is frozen kale cooked?

“Frozen kale is often less intimidating to consumers since

it is cooked the same way as frozen spinach

and can be added to a variety of dishes,” says Jones. Since fresh kale can be very bulky and tough, people may attempt to eat it raw without cooking or massaging and then determine they do not like it, she cautions.

Is kale better raw or cooked?

Kale is rich in minerals, antioxidants and vitamins, particularly vitamins A, C and K. To reap the most benefits, it’s

best eaten raw

, as cooking reduces the nutritional profile of the vegetable.

Is kale bad for your heart?

The truth is that both spinach and

kale are heart-healthy

and are great choices. “Leafy greens are so good for you that you really can’t eat too many,” says Patton. “In fact, they’re considered heart-healthy superfoods.”

How does kale help you lose weight?

Because of the low calorie and high water content, kale has

a low energy density

. Eating plenty of foods with a low energy density has been shown to aid weight loss in numerous studies ( 29 , 30 ). Kale also contains small amounts of protein and fiber.

How can you tell if kale has gone bad?

1. Black specks on the foliage.
2. Black, white, or rust-colored spots, which may signal a fungal infection.
3. Wilted, soggy, and/or slimy texture.
4. An unpleasant, sulfur-like smell.