How To Store Kale To Make It Last Longer

This quick guide will show you to how to store kale so it lasts up to 7 days. The best thing about Kale is that it is a powerful green that is very inexpensive and can actually be stored for up to a week in your fridge if prepped the right way. Store it whole or chopped and to have it ready for smoothies or salads. This is the very best way to do it and it will save you time and money.

Many of you have asked me how to store kale properly so it lasts longer. So to help you out I am bringing you this complete guide on how to store kale the right way so it lasts at least 5 days, maybe more. It will take you a few minutes when you get home from the store but trust me, it will be so worth it! Plus it will save you time and money!

Although kale is a very sturdy and hearty green, it can wilt fairly fast if it is not stored properly. That is why it is important to know the proper way to store it so you can enjoy it all week long in healthy Kale Salads, Simple Green Smoothies, Sweet Potato Buddha Bowls and more!

Why is kale good for you?

I love this question because many of us have heard that kale is a SUPERFOOD but do we really know why? The reason it is put on this pedestal of being an incredible food to consume for your health is because it contains the most incredible mix of nutrients that supports a healthy body, making it one of the most nutrient-dense foods you can eat.

Nutrition in kale

Here are a few of the amazing vitamins and minerals found in kale.

• Vitamins A, K, C, and B6!
• Calcium
• Magnesium
• Potassium
• Iron

Just to name a few. Kale is also packed full of fiber and antioxidants, which makes it a great source for lowering cholesterol and fighting disease. It is also great for weight loss since it contains almost no calories (33 calories per cup) and will keep you fuller longer when you eat it.

Read more about the health benefits of eating kale here.

Storing KALE

You can store kale whole or chopped and you can rinse it or wait to wash it until you are ready to use it. The method you choose really depends on the how long you want the kale to last and what you are planning to use it for.

I prefer chopping, lightly rinsing and drying my kale but I also store it whole and unwashed. In my opinion the best method for storing kale really depends on what type of kale you buy and how long you need it to last.

Things to keep in mind when storing kale

• Kale is a very sensitive green and will last the longest if you wait to wash it, keep the leaves attached to the stems and store it in the coldest part of your fridge like your crisper drawer.
• The most important thing is to keep it away from moisture. To do this wrap it up loosely in a dry paper towel and store it in a ziplock bag or container and keep it in the refrigerator until you are ready to use it.
• You also want to keep in mind that kale is very sensitive to other fruits and veggies so make sure you store it with other greens like spinach, arugula, herbs, cucumber, and celery. Keep it aways from fruit and onions in your refrigerator.

For me, I eat greens at almost every meal so I don’t need my kale to last as long (i.e up to 7 days). 4-5 days is good for most people which is why I wrote this post on how to store your kale so it is ready for you to add to your meals right from the refrigerator.

To store curly kale

Curly kale which is lighter green in color and obviously has very curly leaves is a green that you do not want to wash first. Washing it before you put it in the fridge will make it wilt and go bad faster.

So when you get home from the store, unwrap the kale, run your hand down each stem like a cat paw to remove the curly leaves from the stem. Then wrap it up in a dry, loose paper towel and store it in a ziplock plastic bag or airtight container and keep it in your crisper drawer in the refrigerator for up to 4 days!

Cooks tip: See notes above on how to store your kale so it lasts up to 7 days!

When you are ready to use the kale, remove it from the refrigerator, chop it up and place it into a strainer and rinse it really well under lukewarm water. Then run it through the salad spinner to remove any excess dirt or moisture.

Cook’s Tip: If you are using the kale in a salad then you will want to massage it a little bit first. To do this, drizzle it with a little olive oil or lemon juice and massage it for 45-60 seconds with your fingers.

To store flat leaf kale

Storing Dark green Lacinato Kale or Flat Leaf Kale will require a few more steps but it is worth it.

1. Prep and chop it. Easily run your hand down the stem of each kale leaf to easily pull the leaves off of the stem and then discard the stem. Roll a bunch of the leaves up and run a clean kitchen knife through it to slice it nice and thin into strips.
2. Wrap it up. Take about 2 cups of the sliced kale at a time and place it in the centre of a long pice of clean paper towel and wrap it up loosely.
3. Store it. Once you have prepped all of your kale, seal the bag and keep it in your crisper drawer of your refrigerator for 3-5 days.
4. Use it. When you are ready to use the kale, pull it out of the refrigerator, unwrap it, rinse it well under some running water and run it through the salad spinner to get it nice and crisp and dry.

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Isn’t that so easy? I have been doing this for years and I am still so amazed at how crisp and beautiful the kale is days later after I have prepped it.

Ways to use kale

Kale can easily be added to so many types of meals. Here are some of my favorite ways to use kale.

• Enjoy it in a big salad, like this Kale and Brussel Sprout Salad, this Crispy Chickpea Kale Caesar Salad, or this Simple Kale and Roasted Sweet Potato Salad.
• Wilt it into your favorite soup like this Simple Cauliflower Sausage and Kale Soup.
• Pair it with other veggies like in these Mediterranean Stuffed Sweet Potatoes.
• Use it as a green to make a healthy green sauce like this 5 Minute Creamy Green Goddess Dressing or this Easy Lemon Basil Pesto.

What is your favorite way to use kale?

Let me know what your favorite kale recipes are in the comment below.

I hope you try this and please leave a comment below on how it worked out for you!