Can I freeze fresh kale for smoothies?
If you don't use the kale immediately after it's picked, it'll continue to lose nutrients and become overly bitter. To freeze kale, first clean out any thick or tough stems and tear the leaves into smaller pieces. Spread the leaves on a baking sheet lined with wax paper, place in the freezer for about an hour, and then store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to three months.
Can I freeze kale for smoothies?
While freezing kale is an option for keeping your smoothies ready to go, we don’t recommend it. Freezing kale, which is a good way to preserve it, can cause loss of nutrients and make it less than palatable for your body. Freezing kale also has the potential to make the leaves lose their crisp texture if they thaw out and go limp.
Can I freeze fresh kale for salads?
You can definitely freeze kale for use in salads, but it will change how the kale tastes after thawing. Freezing kale causes the cells to break down, which releases more nutrients, including the chlorophyll, which gives kale that distinct and slightly bitter taste. If you want to freeze kale for use in salads, blanch the kale in boiling water for a few minutes, then immediately transfer to ice water. Let the kale cool completely, then drain the water.
Can I freeze kale for a smoothie?
When you freeze kale, you can increase the amount of time it will keep in your smoothie without losing any of its nutritional value. To do so, prepare your kale as you would for a smoothie and place it in a blender to blend it into a smooth consistency. Once your kale is blended and cooled to room temperature, transfer the kale to an airtight container and freeze it for up to three months. When you’re ready to use your kale, thaw it in the refrigerator
Can I freeze fresh kale for smoothies in a bag?
You can put raw kale in a bag and freeze it for up to three months. You just need to make sure the bag is air-tight and that you remove as much air as possible before sealing it again. To thaw the kale quickly, run the bag under hot water for a few minutes until it's fully thawed. You can then drain the water, squeeze out all the excess moisture, and blend the kale right in a high-speed blender to create a creamy and delicious smoothie