Whether you're juicing it, sauteeing it, or enjoying it raw, there's no denying that kale is a delicious and nutritious way to add some greens to your diet. But how long does kale last? And is there anything you can do to prolong its shelf life? Read on to get the answer to these questions and more.
Jump to:
Does kale go bad?
Kale is a nutrient-dense leafy green that’s often touted as one of the healthiest vegetables we can eat. That’s because it’s low in calories, but high in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It is also a super source of fiber.
But, like all leafy greens, kale can go bad if it is not stored properly. While it’s generally very tough and resistant to spoilage, if it’s exposed to too much light or heat, it will begin to wilt and go bad.
It's important to know the signs of spoilage so that you can enjoy this healthy vegetable at its best. Here are the telltale signs that it’s time to let your kale go:
- Color change. First, take a look at the color of the leaves. If they have turned yellow or brown, they are no longer fresh.
- Texture change. Second, check for slimy or wilted leaves. These are another sign that the kale is no longer good to eat.
- Odor change. Finally, give the kale a sniff. If it has a sour smell, it has probably spoiled and should be thrown out.
By following these simple guidelines, you can ensure that your kale is always fresh and flavorful.
The risk of consuming bad kale
While kale is generally considered to be a healthy food, there are some risks associated with eating bad kale. The most common problem is that bad kale can contain harmful bacteria that can cause food poisoning.
In addition to the bacteria, bad kale can also contain parasites or other contaminants. These contaminants can cause serious illness, so it's important to make sure that you only eat fresh kale that has been properly washed and prepared. You should also cut away any bruised or damaged leaves before eating, as these are more likely to be contaminated.
If you experience any ill effects after eating kale, it's important to seek medical attention immediately.
The bottom line: eating bad kale is not worth the risk of serious illness.
How long can kale be stored?
Ideally, kale should be used within a few days of being purchased. However, it can be stored in the fridge for up to a week. To extend its shelf life, you can also freeze kale. Frozen kale will stay fresh for up to eight months.
Pin or save the chart below for reference at a later time:
| Counter | Fridge | Freezer | |
| Fresh kale bunches | 2 hours | 7 days | 8 months |
| Fresh cut kale | 2 hours | 5 days | 8 months |
| Cooked kale | 2 hours | 4 days | 8 months |
Keep reading for more details on each and storage tips to keep your kale fresh for longer.
How long does kale last out of the fridge?
Bacteria grows rapidly at temperatures between 40 °F and 140 °F. So, avoid leaving your kale at room temperature for long periods of time. Ideally, you’ll want to refrigerate the leafy green within two hours.
How long does kale last in the fridge?
Storing kale in the fridge is simple and will help to keep the leaves fresh for up to a week.
Here’s how to store whole kale bunches in the fridge:
When storing bunches of kale leaves, it’s all about eliminating excess moisture. Here are the steps you need to take.
- Rinse the leaves thoroughly.
- Dry the leaves with a towel or salad spinner.
- Place the kale in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag, removing as much air as possible. Wrap the leaves in a damp paper towel to prevent them from drying out.
- Store the kale in the crisper drawer of your fridge.
- When you're ready to use it, simply remove the desired amount of kale and chop it into bite-sized pieces.
How long does cut kale last?
Kale is one of the only greens that you can wash and prep in advance thanks to its hardy texture. That said, it will spoil a little quicker. Expect it to stay fresh for up to five days.
Here’s how to store washed, prepped kale in the fridge:
- Remove any tough stems, slice or tear the leaves, and rinse thoroughly.
- Dry the leaves with a towel or salad spinner.
- Place the kale in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag, removing as much air as possible. Wrap the leaves in a damp paper towel to prevent them from drying out.
- Store the kale in the crisper drawer of your fridge.
- When you're ready to use it, simply remove the desired amount of kale.
How long does kale last in the freezer?
While fresh kale is always the best option when it comes to taste and texture, sometimes it's just not possible to use it up before it goes bad. That's where freezing kale comes in. When stored properly, frozen kale can retain its nutrients and flavor for up to eight months.
Here's how to freeze kale:
- Wash the kale thoroughly and remove any tough stems.
- Blanch the kale by boiling it for two minutes. This will help to preserve its color and texture.
- Place the kale in a colander and shock it in cold water. Once the kale is cool, squeeze out as much water as possible then with a towel or salad spinner.
- Place it in a freezer-safe container. Make sure to label the container with the date so you know how long it's been frozen.
- When you're ready to use the kale, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or cook it directly from frozen.
How long does cooked kale last?
After you cook kale, you may be wondering how long it will last in the fridge.
Cooked kale can be stored in the fridge for up to four days. However, it's important to make sure that the kale is properly cooled before storing it. Otherwise, it could create an ideal environment for bacteria to grow.
If you're not planning on eating the leftover kale within four days, you can also freeze it. Cooked kale can be stored in the freezer for up to eight months.
Recipes with kale
Add it to salads, soups, or sauté it as a side dish. With proper storage, kale can be a healthy and delicious addition to your meals for days to come.
Feel free to use kale as the leafy green in any of the smoothies below:
Similar articles
Fast facts
How long does kale last?
- Don’t leave kale at room temperature for more than 2 hours to avoid harmful bacteria growth.
- Fresh kale can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.
- If washed and cut, it will last for up to 5 days.
- Cooked kale will last in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- All kale can be frozen for future use for up to 8 months.
Now that you know how long kale lasts, what other foods do you want to learn about? Let me know in the comments below and I'll be sure to answer them as best I can.
Leave a comment!