All you need is aluminum foil to keep kale crisp! This is such an easy way to store kale in the refrigerator to make it last for weeks.
How to Store Kale in the Fridge to Keep It Fresh
Kale, aka “The Queen of Greens” is one of our favorite greens to grow in the garden. The plants are so easy to grow, resulting in an endless supply of kale. Kale, packed with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants, is a nutritional powerhouse that we love adding to our dinner plates!
What are our favorite kale recipes? We love kale sautéed in olive oil, kale chips, kale salad with lemon dressing, garlic butter kale pasta, kielbasa soup with kale and tropical kale smoothie for breakfast.
But here’s the catch: to truly harness the power of this nutrient-packed leafy green, you need to know the secret of proper storage. The key? Aluminum foil.
By wrapping your chopped kale in aluminum foil, you create a protective barrier against moisture and air, two of the main culprits behind premature spoilage. This technique preserves the kale’s crispness and vitality for an extended period, ensuring you get the most out of your leafy greens while minimizing food waste.
Btw, you can totally do this for all greens, this is the same way we store our lettuce to make it last for a month!
Here is a picture of our kale after it’s been in the fridge 2 weeks, still very crispy!
When should I wash kale?
Don’t wash kale until you’re ready to eat it. If the kale is store bought and wet when you bring it home, pat it dry with a towel. By assuring it’s dry before you place in the refrigerator you will extend it’s freshness!
When ready to eat, wash the kale leaves thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt or debris. Afterwards, use a colander or salad spinner (I love our salad spinner for drying all greens!) to drain excess water.
How to Store Kale Whole
Wrap the kale completely up with a piece of aluminum foil. I find that the extra wide aluminum foil works best, but if you can’t find it, just use 2 pieces to completely cover the bunch of kale. Start out with one piece up top.
And then wrap another piece of foil down bottom. Wrap it tight and make sure it’s completely covered. Now place in the refrigerator.
Whenever you need some kale, take a few pieces off and then wrap it up again.
How to Store Chopped Kale
Remove the tough stems from the kale leaves and chop the leaves into bite-sized pieces or strips. You can use a sharp knife or just rip it with your hands (that’s what I do).
Plastic Bag Method: Place the chopped kale in a resealable plastic bag, press out excess air, and seal it tightly. Store it in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator. This method can keep the kale fresh for a few days.
Glass or Plastic Container Method (Long-Term): For longer-term storage, use an airtight glass or plastic container with a lid. Place the chopped kale in the container and seal the container tightly. This method can keep kale fresh for up to a week.
Can I freeze kale?
If you want to store chopped kale for an extended period, consider freezing it. Blanch the kale by boiling it for 1-2 minutes, then immediately transfer it to an ice bath to cool rapidly. Drain and pat dry. Spread the chopped kale on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer it to a freezer-safe bag (making sure to label it with the date). Frozen kale can be used in smoothies, soups, or sautés.
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How to store kale to last for weeks (bunch or chopped)
PrintIngredients
- kale whole or chopped
Instructions
- Do not wash the kale until you’re ready to eat it! If the kale is store bought and wet when you bring it home, pat it dry with a towel.
How to Store Whole Kale Bunch
- Wrap the kale in aluminum foil, covering it completely.
- Place kale in the refrigerator in the crisper drawer. Whenever you need some, grab a few leaves and then cover again to keep storing. This method will keep kale fresh for weeks, check periodically and remove any bad leaves.
How to Store Chopped Kale
- Plastic Bag Storage: Place chopped kale into a sealable plastic bag, expel any excess air, and firmly seal it shut. Keep it in the refrigerator's crisper drawer. This technique maintains kale freshness for a few days.
- Glass or Plastic Containers Storage: Arrange the chopped kale inside the container, gently pressing it down to eliminate any trapped air, and then seal the container tightly. This approach is effective at maintaining kale freshness for up to a week.
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