Learn the best methods for storing kale to ensure it stays fresh and lasts longer. Keep it crisp and ready for use in your meals.

You’re likely aware that leafy greens like spinach and kale are incredibly healthy. Kale is packed with nutrients, making it a fantastic choice for your diet. But if you find yourself with more kale than you can use, it can spoil quickly in the fridge. Here, we’ll show you how to store kale—whether whole or chopped—so you can avoid waste and keep it fresh for future meals.

What is the shelf life of properly stored kale?

Kale has a relatively short lifespan if not stored correctly. To maintain its freshness and quality, it's best to store kale in the fridge or freezer. Here’s a guide on how long kale can last depending on whether it's kept at room temperature, refrigerated, or frozen.

• Room temperature kale will only stay fresh for about four hours. After that, it begins to wilt and develop a bitter taste. Leaving it out for too long can also promote the growth of harmful bacteria.
• Refrigerated kale can last up to a week before wilting starts. This applies whether you're storing whole bunches or chopped kale leaves.
• Frozen kale is best consumed within six months for optimal freshness. If you follow proper freezing methods, the kale will stay in top condition. While it's still safe to eat after six months, it may lose its quality, showing signs like wilting or freezer burn.

How to Choose the Freshest Kale

To make sure your kale lasts longer and tastes its best, pick the freshest bunch available. Look for kale with vibrant, deep green or purple leaves that are firm and springy. Avoid any that show yellowing or browning, which indicates age or poor quality.

Steer clear of wilted, slimy bunches, and be cautious of kale with black spots. Kale is on the "Dirty Dozen" produce list (according to the USDA's pesticide findings), so opt for organic if you can. If your kale is too bitter for your taste, massage it for a few minutes before use to reduce the bitterness.

How to Store Kale Leaves in the Refrigerator

Whole Fresh Kale

Fresh kale should be stored in the fridge if you're not using it right away. Follow these steps to keep it fresh.

1. Start by washing your hands, then wash and dry the kale thoroughly. Any leftover moisture can cause it to spoil faster, so make sure it's well dried.
2. Wrap the kale in paper towels before placing it in a storage bag or container. The towels will help absorb any excess moisture.
3. Store the kale in a plastic bag or a reusable food storage container with a tight-sealing lid. A bag works well since you can remove the air to help keep it fresh.
4. Place the bagged kale in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator. If your fridge doesn’t have one, keep it at the back, or invest in a produce keeper to maintain optimal freshness.

Chopped Kale

Pre-washing kale after cutting it can help reduce its bitterness. If you tend to chop your vegetables before storing them as part of meal prep, follow these simple steps.

1. Start by removing the kale stems: fold the leaves in half and use a sharp knife to cut the stems off.
2. Chop the kale into your preferred size.
3. Rinse the chopped kale well in a colander or large bowl, then dry it thoroughly in a salad spinner.
4. Similar to storing whole kale, line the container with paper towels to absorb any extra moisture.
5. Store the kale in your refrigerator’s crisper drawer or the back of the fridge for best freshness.

How to Freeze Kale

A great way to store kale for longer is to freeze it. This method helps your kale last much longer than in the fridge, and it’s always ready for future recipes. Freezing chopped kale works better than freezing it whole. Here's the process:

1. Remove the stems, chop the kale into small pieces, and make sure to rinse and dry it thoroughly before freezing.
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread the kale pieces evenly on it.
3. Freeze for approximately two hours.
4. Once frozen, transfer the kale to a freezer-safe bag or container and label it with the date for easy tracking of when it was frozen.

How to Thaw Frozen Kale

While many dishes call for frozen greens, thawing kale isn't always necessary. To thaw it, simply place your frozen kale in the refrigerator overnight. If you're short on time, you can speed up the process by submerging the bag of frozen kale in cold water, giving you fresh-like kale ready for your meals.

Cooking With Fresh or Frozen Kale

Having kale available is great for tossing into salads, soups, and other kale recipes. It's also perfect for blending into your morning green smoothie, juices, hummus, and pestos. Here are some additional ways to incorporate this healthy green into your meals:

• Throw some chopped kale into a Caesar salad for a dish that's always a hit with guests.
• Season kale leaves and air fry them for a few minutes to create delicious smoky kale chips.
• Swap out spinach for kale on your favorite homemade flatbread pizza for a unique twist.