Kale is a nutrient-rich leafy green that’s often used in smoothies. If you’re wondering if you can freeze kale for smoothies, the answer is yes! Freezing kale helps to lock in its nutrients and flavor, so it’s a great way to have on hand for when you’re ready to make a smoothie.
Here’s how to do it:
First, wash your kale thoroughly and remove the tough stems. Next, tear or cut the kale into smaller pieces and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Freeze the kale for about 2 hours, or until solid. Once frozen, transfer the kale to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 3 months.
- Rinse kale leaves thoroughly and pat dry
- Remove tough stems from kale leaves (optional)
- Stack kale leaves on top of each other and roll them up tightly
- Cut rolled-up kale leaves into thin strips
- Spread kale strips onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper
- Freeze for 1-2 hours, or until completely frozen
- Transfer frozen kale strips to a freezer bag or container for storage
How to Freeze Raw Kale for Smoothies
Is Frozen Kale Good in Smoothies?
Kale is a highly nutritious leafy green vegetable that can be enjoyed in many different ways. One popular way to enjoy kale is in smoothies. Frozen kale is a convenient option for smoothies as it doesn’t need to be washed or chopped and can be added straight from the freezer to the blender.
Frozen kale can help to make a thick and creamy smoothie without the need for adding extra dairy or fruits. The natural sweetness of some fruits can also help to offset any bitterness that kale may have. Kale is an excellent source of vitamins A, C and K as well as containing antioxidants, calcium and fibre.
Adding frozen kale to your smoothie will boost its nutrient content and can help you reach your daily recommended intake of vegetables.
You can then add in other ingredients such as fruit, yogurt, honey or protein powder before blending until smooth. If you find that your smoothie is too thick, you can thin it out by adding additional liquid until desired consistency is reached.
Does Raw Kale Freeze Well?
Raw kale does not freeze well. When frozen, raw kale becomes limp and loses its flavor. If you must freeze raw kale, blanch it first in boiling water for two minutes, then shock it in cold water.
This will help preserve its color and flavor.
How Do You Prepare Kale for Freezing?
One of the best ways to enjoy kale is to freeze it for later use. Kale freezes well and can be used in a variety of recipes. To prepare kale for freezing, start by washing the leaves thoroughly.
Remove any tough stems and discard them. Chop the kale into bite-sized pieces and place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze the kale for about 2 hours, or until solid.
Once frozen, transfer the kale to a freezer-safe container or bag. Label the container with the date and type of kale. Frozen kale will keep for up to 6 months.
Can I Freeze Kale Without Blanching?
If you’re looking to extend the shelf life of your kale or simply don’t have time to blanch it before freezing, you can freeze it without blanching. While frozen kale won’t last as long as properly blanched kale, it will still retain much of its color, flavor and nutrition. When freezing kale without blanching, be sure to use airtight containers or freezer bags to prevent freezer burn.
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Does Freezing Kale Lose Nutrients
As the weather gets colder, many of us start to stock up on frozen fruits and vegetables. Kale is a great option because it’s inexpensive and packed with nutrients. But does freezing kale lose nutrients?
The short answer is yes, freezing kale (or any other vegetable) does cause some loss of nutrients. However, the nutrient loss is minimal and you’ll still get plenty of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants from frozen kale. In fact, frozen kale can be a good option if fresh kale is not available or if you want to extend its shelf life.
Here’s a closer look at the nutritional content of frozen vs fresh kale: Frozen kale has more vitamin C than fresh kale. This is because vitamin C is sensitive to light and air exposure, which reduces its levels in fresh produce.
However, both frozen and fresh kale are excellent sources of vitamin C. Fresh kale has more calcium than frozen kale. Calcium is another nutrient that can be lost during freezing, but the amount lost is small.
One cup of cookedfresh spinach has about twice as much calcium as one cup of cooked frozen spinach . So if you’re looking for extra calcium in your diet, opt for fresh greens over frozen ones. Both fresh and frozen kale are low in calories and fat-free , making them great choices for weight loss or maintenance .
They’re also high in fiber , which helps promote satiety after meals . Fiber may also help lower cholesterol levels and protect against colon cancer .
Conclusion
You can absolutely freeze kale for smoothies! In fact, freezing kale is a great way to keep it fresh and make sure it doesn’t go bad before you have a chance to use it. Simply wash the kale, remove the stems, and then place the leaves in a freezer bag.
When you’re ready to make a smoothie, just add a handful of frozen kale to your blender along with your other ingredients.
