Can You Freeze Kale?
Fresh kale leaves, curly or lacinato (dinosaur) variety.
The Short Answer
Yes, you can freeze kale. Yes. Blanch for cooking use, or freeze raw for smoothies. Both methods work well.
Freezer Storage Time
Source: USDA FoodKeeper | Last verified: March 26, 2026 | Our methodology
How to Freeze Kale
- Remove tough stems and ribs.
- For cooking: blanch leaves for 2 minutes, ice bath for 2 minutes, squeeze dry, and freeze in portions.
- For smoothies: wash, dry, tear into pieces, and freeze raw in bags (no blanching needed for smoothie use).
- Squeeze as much air out of the bags as possible.
Texture and Quality Changes
Blanched kale retains its color and works well in cooked dishes like soups, stews, and pasta. Raw frozen kale works perfectly in smoothies since it is blended. Both methods result in limp leaves that are not suitable for salads or fresh applications.
How to Thaw Kale Safely
For smoothies, add frozen directly to the blender. For cooking, add frozen directly to soups, stews, or saute pans. No thawing needed for either use.
Refreezing is not recommended. Quality and texture degrade significantly with repeated freezing and thawing.
Best Uses After Freezing
After freezing and thawing, kale works best in: smoothies, soup, stew, pasta, sauteed greens, frittata.
Kale is one of the best greens to freeze for smoothies. Unlike spinach, it does not turn slimy when frozen raw. Tear it into pieces, bag it, and toss a handful into your morning smoothie. You will never notice it is not fresh.
Frequently Asked Questions
Very close. Blanching causes minimal nutrient loss (mostly some water-soluble vitamins). The overall nutritional profile, including fiber, vitamin K, and antioxidants, is well preserved. Frozen kale is a convenient way to add greens to your diet year-round.
The Bottom Line
Kale can be frozen for 8–12 months when packaged properly. The key is removing as much air as possible and using freezer-safe containers or bags. While texture may change slightly after thawing, frozen kale works well in cooked dishes and recipes.