Storing Kale

Have you ever bought a beautiful bunch of kale, only to find it wilted and soggy a few days later?

The good news is that there’s a very simple way to store kale that can help keep it fresher, crisper, and ready to use throughout the week.

Small habits like this can make it easier to eat more greens consistently and reduce food waste at the same time.

Why Kale Wilts So Quickly

Kale is a hearty leafy green, but like most fresh produce, it’s sensitive to excess moisture.

When kale sits wet inside a sealed bag or container, moisture builds up and speeds up spoilage. The leaves can quickly become limp, slimy, and less appealing to eat.

The key is balancing hydration while preventing excess moisture from sitting directly on the leaves.

The Simple Storage Method

Here’s an easy way to help kale stay fresh longer:

• Trim a small piece off the bottom of the stems.
• Place the bunch upright in a jar or container, similar to how you would store fresh flowers.
• Add a small amount of water to the bottom of the container.
• Store it in the refrigerator, ideally in the door or an easily visible area.

This method helps keep the stems hydrated while allowing the leaves to stay fresh and crisp.

Extra Tips

• Remove damaged leaves before storing
• Wait to chop kale until you’re ready to use it
• Store in the crisper drawer if storing for a short period of time
• Remove stem when chopping kale as it can be very tough to chew

Easy Ways to Use Kale

Having washed, ready-to-use kale in the fridge makes it much easier to include greens in everyday meals.

Try it in:

• Salads
• Soups
• Smoothies
• Grain bowls
• Pasta dishes
• Sautéed vegetable mixes

Simple storage habits can help your produce last longer, reduce waste, and make it easier to nourish yourself throughout the week.