All About Kale
Your complete guide to kale - discover how to store it properly, identify when it's gone bad, and find the best substitutes for your recipes.
How Long Does Kale Last?
Storage times and freshness tips for kale in different conditions.
Safety first: This guide provides general information. When in doubt, throw it out! Trust your senses and err on the side of caution. If something smells, looks, or tastes off, don't consume it.
raw in fridge (unwashed/untrimmed)5-10 days
Signs of Spoilage
Yellowing or browning leaves, wilting, limpness, slimy texture, strong unpleasant odor (sulfurous or putrid).
How to Check
Visually inspect for bright green, crisp leaves. Touch the leaves; they should feel firm, not soft or slimy. Smell for a mild, earthy scent; any strong, off-putting odor indicates spoilage.
Storage Tips
Store unwashed kale in a loose plastic bag or wrapped in a damp paper towel in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator. Excess moisture can accelerate spoilage, so avoid washing until just before use.
raw in fridge (washed/prepped)3-5 days
Signs of Spoilage
Similar to unwashed kale, but may appear faster: wilting, yellowing, sliminess, strong off-odor.
How to Check
Visually check for discoloration or sliminess. Feel the texture for limpness or stickiness. Smell for any sour or unpleasant odors.
Storage Tips
Ensure kale is thoroughly dried after washing to prevent spoilage. Store in an airtight container lined with a paper towel to absorb any residual moisture. Change the paper towel if it becomes too damp.
cooked in fridge3-4 days
Signs of Spoilage
Off-odor (sour, moldy), slimy texture, visible mold growth (fuzzy spots of any color), significant darkening or dullness in color.
How to Check
Smell the cooked kale; any sour, rancid, or otherwise unpleasant odor means it's bad. Look for any signs of mold or unusual discoloration. Touch the kale; if it feels slimy or unusually mushy, it's likely spoiled.
Storage Tips
Store cooked kale in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Allow it to cool completely before refrigerating to prevent condensation and bacterial growth.
freezer (blanched)8-12 months
Signs of Spoilage
Severe freezer burn (large, dry, discolored patches), significant loss of texture even after cooking (becomes overly mushy), strong bitter or 'freezer burn' taste.
How to Check
Visually inspect for excessive freezer burn. While safe, severe freezer burn will negatively impact quality. After thawing and cooking, if the texture is unappetizingly mushy or the taste is strongly off, quality has degraded significantly.
Storage Tips
For best quality, blanch kale before freezing (boil for 2-3 minutes, then immediately plunge into ice water). Squeeze out as much excess water as possible. Pack in airtight freezer bags or containers, removing as much air as possible, and label with the date.