How to Store Kale

TL;DR

Store whole kale bunches in the refrigerator for 5-7 days
Keep chopped kale in an airtight container for up to a week
Blanch and freeze kale for long-term storage up to 1 year
Store kale away from ethylene-producing fruits to prevent wilting
Different kale varieties (curly, Tuscan, red) have unique flavors and textures

Introduction

Kale, the crowned jewel of the superfood world, has taken kitchens by storm. But this nutritional powerhouse is only as good as its storage. Mastering the art of kale storage not only extends its shelf life but also preserves its crisp texture and nutrient-packed goodness.

Ready to unlock the secrets of keeping your kale fresh and fabulous? Let’s dive into the world of proper kale storage and ensure your green goodness stays at its peak.

Choosing the Best Kale

Kale Varieties

Not all kale is created equal. Let’s explore the main varieties you’ll encounter:

Curly Kale: The most common type, with ruffled edges and a robust, peppery flavor. Its sturdy leaves hold up well in cooking.
Tuscan/Dinosaur Kale: Also known as Lacinato kale, it boasts long, dark leaves with a bumpy texture. Its flavor is slightly sweeter and more delicate than curly kale.
Red Kale: A visual stunner with purple-tinged leaves and red stems. Its taste is similar to curly kale but with a slightly more tender texture.

Each variety has its unique charm, but they all benefit from proper storage techniques.

Selecting Fresh Kale

Picking the freshest kale sets the stage for successful storage. Here’s what to look for:

Color: Vibrant, deep green leaves (or purple-tinged for red kale)
Texture: Crisp and firm leaves that stand up on their own
Size: Smaller leaves tend to be more tender and sweeter
Avoid: Yellowing, browning, or wilted leaves

Give the leaves a gentle squeeze. Fresh kale should feel crisp and spring back when touched. A quick sniff test can also help – fresh kale has a clean, earthy scent.

Preparing Kale for Storage

Washing Kale

Proper cleaning is crucial for both food safety and storage longevity. Follow these steps:

Fill a large bowl with cool water.
Submerge the kale leaves, swishing them gently to dislodge dirt.
Let the kale soak for a few minutes, allowing any grit to settle at the bottom.
Lift the leaves out of the water and rinse under running water.
For stubborn dirt, use a soft brush or cloth to gently scrub the leaves.

Remember, thorough washing now means you’re always ready to use your kale at a moment’s notice.

Removing Kale Stems

To stem or not to stem? That is the question. Here’s the lowdown:

For immediate use or short-term storage, you can leave the stems intact.
For longer storage or freezing, removing the stems can save space and improve texture.

To remove stems:

Hold the stem with one hand.
Use your other hand to strip the leaves upward along the stem.
The leaves should easily tear away from the tough center rib.

Pro tip: Don’t toss those stems! They’re great for adding to stocks or smoothies.

Drying Kale

Moisture is the enemy of crisp kale. Dry those leaves thoroughly:

For whole bunches: Gently shake off excess water and pat dry with clean kitchen towels or paper towels.
For individual leaves: Lay them out on a clean kitchen towel or use a salad spinner.

Air-drying is also effective. Spread the leaves on a drying rack or hang the bunch upside down in a well-ventilated area.

Patience is key – take the time to ensure your kale is completely dry before storage.

Refrigerator Storage Methods

Storing Whole Kale Bunches

Keep your kale bunches happy with these steps:

Wrap the bunch loosely in paper towels to absorb excess moisture.
Place the wrapped kale in a large plastic bag, leaving it partially open for air circulation.
Store in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator.

Position the kale so that the leaves aren’t crushed. A little breathing room goes a long way in maintaining freshness.

Storing Chopped Kale

Pre-prepped kale can be a time-saver. Store it right:

After washing and thoroughly drying, chop the kale as desired.
Place in an airtight container lined with paper towels.
Replace the paper towels if they become too damp.

This method keeps chopped kale fresh and ready for quick salads or cooking.

Using Containers and Bags

The right storage vessel can make all the difference:

Plastic bags: Inexpensive and widely available, but not the most eco-friendly option.
Airtight containers: Great for chopped kale, they protect leaves from being crushed.
Glass jars: An eco-friendly alternative that works well for smaller amounts of kale.
Reusable produce bags: Breathable and sustainable, perfect for whole bunches.

Whichever you choose, make sure it allows for some airflow to prevent condensation.

Freezing Kale

Blanching Kale

Blanching is your ticket to long-term kale storage. Here’s how:

Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
Prepare an ice bath in a separate bowl.
Submerge kale leaves in boiling water for 2-3 minutes.
Quickly transfer to the ice bath to stop the cooking process.
Drain and pat dry thoroughly.

Blanching preserves color, texture, and nutrients, setting you up for freezer success.

Freezing Methods

Choose your freezing adventure:

Flat freeze: Spread blanched leaves on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to freezer bags.
Portion freeze: Pack blanched kale into muffin tins or ice cube trays, freeze, then pop out and store in bags.
Smoothie prep: Blend blanched kale with a bit of water and freeze in ice cube trays for ready-to-go smoothie starters.

Label your frozen kale with the date to keep track of freshness.

Thawing and Using Frozen Kale

Frozen kale is incredibly versatile:

Thaw in the refrigerator overnight for salads or raw uses.
Add frozen directly to soups, stews, or smoothies.
Sauté straight from frozen for a quick side dish.

Frozen kale works best in cooked dishes where texture changes won’t be noticeable.

Maintaining Kale Quality

Storage Duration

How long will your kale last? Here’s a quick guide:

Whole bunches in the fridge: 5-7 days
Chopped kale in the fridge: Up to a week
Blanched and frozen kale: Up to 1 year

These are general guidelines – always use your senses to judge freshness.

Signs of Spoiled Kale

Know when to say goodbye to your greens:

Yellowing or browning leaves
Slimy or mushy texture
Strong, unpleasant odor
Visible mold growth

Trust your instincts – if it looks or smells off, it’s time to compost it.

Reviving Wilted Kale

Don’t toss those slightly wilted leaves just yet:

Trim the stems and place them in a glass of water, like a bouquet of flowers.
Refrigerate for a few hours to rehydrate the leaves.
For chopped kale, soak in ice water for 10-15 minutes to crisp it up.

Remember, this works for slightly wilted kale – if it’s truly gone bad, it’s best to discard it.

Storage Tips and Tricks

Elevate your kale game with these pro tips:

Store kale away from ethylene-producing fruits like apples and bananas to prevent premature wilting.
Use older kale in cooked dishes where texture is less important.
Massage tough kale leaves with a bit of oil or lemon juice to soften them for raw uses.
Freeze kale stems separately to add to smoothies or stocks later.
Try making kale chips as a delicious way to use up leaves that are starting to wilt.

Get creative with your kale storage and usage – this versatile green can surprise you!

Conclusion

Mastering kale storage is your ticket to always having this nutritional powerhouse at the ready. From selecting the perfect bunch to freezing for future use, you’re now equipped to keep your kale fresh and fabulous.

So go forth and conquer the world of kale! Your taste buds – and your body – will thank you for preserving all that green goodness.