Freezing Kale in Individual Servings

Here’s a simple way to freeze kale or spinach for easy use in dips, baking, cooking, and smoothies. You can freeze kale in individual servings.

I used to freeze greens in flat plastic bags, which made it hard to take out just a little at a time. Now, I freeze my kale and spinach in muffin tins or small balls for easier portions.

These small frozen portions let me add just what I need to each recipe. Freezing kale from my garden is great for winter use.

FREEZING KALE in Individual Servings is easy to do!

Some people find kale’s taste too strong. However, kale is very healthy, so it’s important to include it in your diet. If you enjoy kale, you can cook with a lot of it. If you don’t, try using smaller amounts or individual portions.

Here is a wonderful recipe for Strawberry Kale Parmesan Salad.

To begin freezing kale in individual servings you will need the following:

• A bunch or two of fresh kale from your garden, farmers market or grocery
• Large 6 qt kettle for Boiling Water to Blanch the kale prior to freezing
• Ice Cold Water to cool the kale after blanching
• Blanching basket or strainer that will fit in your kettle of boiling water
• Strainer
• Slotted Spoon
• Muffin Tins or Cookie Sheets

First is preparing the kale:

• Rinse the fresh kale with water to remove all dirt, debris, or bugs!
• Cut out any really tough stems {I tend to save some of the stems as they add fiber}.
• Chop or tear the kale into small pieces about 1 inch square {smaller is better for dips, soups, and sauces; larger for smoothies}.
• Bring a large kettle (6 qt or larger) of water to boil {remember to have a large enough kettle that will fit a blanching-type basket}.
• Prepare a sink or large bowl of ice-cold water.
• Have on hand: either plastic freezer bags, freezer containers, or glass canning jars.

Related Post: Kale is nutrient dense! 

Next is Blanching:

Blanching: this step actually is important when freezing kale as blanching stops the enzymatic activity in the kale. Some may say blanching is not necessary, but believe me, I learned the hard way. I froze a bunch of broccoli and spinach without blanching, only to have both the broccoli and spinach lose their bright green color and tenderness. Blanching retards further deterioration of most fruits and vegetables.

Quick Note: Here is a list of produce that can be frozen without blanching: tomatoes, green peppers, red, yellow & orange peppers, and beets.

• Add approximately 4 cups of chopped kale to your blanching basket (the volume will reduce in size as it boils).
• Boil for 2 minutes.
• Remove basket from boiling water and immediately submerge in ice-cold water in sink or large bowl. Swish the kale in the cold water to chill. This stops the cooking process.

Then, the actual freezing:

Freezing: this is the step where you will get the individual portions of kale ready to freeze.

• Strain the kale and squeeze as much water out of it as possible. {I like to take about 1/2 cup of the cooked kale and press or squeeze out the extra water.}
• Put strained, blanched kale clumps into muffin tins or small balls on a cookie sheet.
• Place the muffin tin or cookie sheet into the freezer.
• Freeze until solid.

Finally, Storing Kale for Later

Storing: 

• Remove frozen kale bundles or balls and place them in a freezer container of your choice: either bags, containers, or glass jars.
• Seal bags or use screw-on lids for your canning jars.
• Label and return to the freezer.
• Store for 6 to 8 months

In addition to freezing kale or spinach in small individual balls, after blanching chop some and freezer flat on a cookie sheet. See photo:

You can freeze kale or spinach by making small balls after blanching. You can also chop some, spread it flat on a cookie sheet, and freeze it.

Once the chopped kale is frozen, transfer it to freezer containers, glass jars, or freezer bags. This chopped kale is easy to add to eggs, pizza with bacon and pineapple, potato salad, and many other side dishes.

Here is a fantastic 30 Second Guide to Growing Kale from my friend at Hillsborough-Homesteading.

Frozen Kale Recipes:  Ideas for Frozen Kale + Chard (if you have that, too!)

Add Thawed Kale to:

• Sour Cream or Yogurt Dips
• Soups and Stews ( I will be posting an excellent Sausage, Potato and Kale Soup in just a little while!)

Add Frozen Kale:

• Smoothies – frozen kale balls can be easily added to smoothies, especially ones with bananas and protein powder!)

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