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Learn all the tips and tricks for freezing kale to save a ton of time and money. Learning how to freeze kale for smoothies, soups, and sauces is a great way to preserve this healthy staple of so many recipes.
Yes, of course, you can buy kale already frozen. It’s not expensive and it’s easy enough to find at most grocery stores.
But if your garden is producing more than you can eat, or you have a bag in the fridge you won’t be able to finish before it goes bad (it happens to the best of us!), freezing your own kale helps reduce waste and saves money.
Can You Freeze Kale?
Yes, you can! Having a freezer stash of prepped and ready-to-use frozen kale is a delicious insurance policy for lots of hot dishes and sauces.
A word of warning though. Frozen kale is not good in salads, like in a Kale Chopped Salad, for making kale chips, or for any kind of fresh eating.
However, whole or roughly chopped unblanched kale does hold up beautifully when sauteed.
And if you’re already googling things like “can you freeze kale” like a cool kid, check out our posts on Freezing Spinach and Freezing Swiss Chard.
Can You Freeze Kale Without Blanching?
Yes, but it depends on how you want to use it and how quickly. If you plan to use the frozen kale within a few weeks, there is no need to blanch it first.
Unblanched kale left in the freezer too long will turn brown because of enzyme actions which will change the texture, flavor, and coloring.
You’ll find instructions for how to freeze kale with or without blanching at the bottom of the post in the printable and detailed recipe card.
HOW LONG DO YOU BLANCH KAle FOR FREEZING?
The kale just needs two minutes in boiling water for the blanching process.
How to Use Frozen Kale
Throw some into a Gluten-Free Quiche, Instant Pot Tortellini Soup, Vegetarian Breakfast Casserole, Instant Pot Lentil Soup, Kale Lasagna With Cottage Cheese, or Creamy White Bean Soup, and go live your best life.
I’m also a big fan of it in Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana, Crockpot Spaghetti Sauce, Ham and Swiss Quiche, Freezer Spaghetti Sauce, Ravioli Bake, or in Air Fryer Meatballs.
How Long Does Frozen Kale Last?
Unblanched kale – either whole or chopped is good for 3-4 weeks in the freezer. Blanched and frozen kale is good for 6-9 months.
FREEZING KAle FOR SMOOTHIES
If you’re planning on using your kale for smoothies (or prepping frozen smoothie packs), you can chop it in a food processor or blender with a splash of water until it is pureed.
I find it easiest to freeze in ice cube trays or silicone trays for smaller and easy-to-blend portions.
TOOLS FOR FREEZING Kale
- Large saucepan
- Strainer/colander
- Reusable freezer bags or plastic freezer bags
- Muffin tins or silicone trays
- Ice
- Large bowl
PRO TIPS/RECIPE NOTES
- There is no need to thaw the kale before adding it to soups or sauces.
- I prefer to freeze my greens in 1 cup portions. I love the 1-cup Souper Cubes for that. Freeze and then they pop right out once and I add them to my favorite reusable freezer storage bags.
- Save the cooled cooking water from blanching the kale and use it for cooking grains like Instant Pot Farro or for watering houseplants!
- 5 oz of kale will wilt down to about 1 cup for freezing.
MORE HELPFUL HOW-TO TUTORIALS
How to Freeze Kale
Equipment
- Food processor {optional}
Ingredients
- kale
- ice
- water
Instructions
How to Blanch Kale
- Wash kale, discarding old leaves and woody stems.kale
- Roughly chop the kale.
- Fill a bowl halfway with ice water. Set aside.ice
- In a large saucepan bring water to a boil. Add kale, making sure it is all under the water and cook for 2 minutes.
- Using tongs or a slotted spoon, remove kale and add to the ice water. Chill for 3 minutes.
- Transfer chilled kale to a strainer and allow it to drain.
How to Freeze Kale (Blanched)
- Squeeze excess water out of the kale (I squeeze portions in my hand over the strainer).
- Transfer to freezer containers or a muffin pan lined with parchment paper liners.
- Freeze for 3 hours. If using the muffin pan method, transfer to freezer bags once kale has frozen solid.
How to Freeze Kale (Unblanched)
- Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment.
- Wash kale, discarding old leaves and woody stems.
- Chop larger leaves, leaving baby kale leaves whole.
- Place leaves on a baking sheet and freeze for 2-3 hours.
- Transfer frozen leaves to freezer bags, removing excess air.
Freezing Kale for Smoothies
- Add unblanched kale to a food processor or blender and a splash of water. Pulse and then gently blend.
- Pour the puree into ice cube trays. Freeze for 3 hours and transfer to freezer containers.
Notes
- Use unblanched kale within 3-4 weeks.
- Use pureed kale within 3 months.
- Blanched kale should be used within 6-9 months.
- There is no need to thaw the kale before adding it to soups or sauces.
- 5 oz of kale will wilt down to about 1 cup for freezing.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
