Freezing Kale in Individual Servings
Here is a surefire method that makes freezing kale or spinach super convenient to use in dips, baking, cooking and green smoothies. Learn about freezing kale in individual servings.
I used to freeze greens in flat plastic bags but this made it very difficult to use just a little at a time. I had to use all or none. Here is an easy method to freeze smaller portions. I now freeze my kale and spinach in individual muffins tins or balls for ease of use.
These small individually frozen portions make it so convenient to add just what is needed to each recipe. Freezing kale from my garden is a bonus for use during the winter.
FREEZING KALE in Individual Servings is easy to do!
Related Post: Kale is nutrient dense!!!
Some people do not like the taste of kale as it can be strong tasting. But, kale is so nutritious that it is important to add it to your diet in one way or another. If you love kale, then cooking with a lot
is fine but if you do not love it, then try smaller amounts or these individual portions. Here is a wonderful recipe for Strawberry Kale Parmesan Salad.
To begin freezing kale in individual servings you will need the following:
- 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 size of 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
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 loss their bright green color and tenderness. Blanching retards further deterioration of most fruits and vegetables. 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 sqeeze 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 freezer
- Freeze until solid
Finally, the storing:
Storing:
- Remove frozen kale bundles or balls and place in 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:
After the chopped kale is frozen, simply put into your freezer containers, glass jars or freezer bags. This chopped kale is so easy to add to eggs, as a topping for pizza with bacon & 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:
- 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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