How To Store Dino Kale

You’ve brought home a beautiful bunch of dino kale, also known as Lacinato or Tuscan kale. Now, you need to know how to store dino kale to keep it fresh and tasty for as long as possible. Getting this right means less waste and more delicious, nutritious greens for your meals. The good news is, it’s quite simple with a few key methods.

Whether you plan to use it tomorrow or next week, proper storage is the secret. This guide will walk you through the best techniques for your fridge, freezer, and even countertop. Let’s make sure your hearty greens stay perfect.

The best way to store dino kale depends on how soon you’ll use it. For short-term storage in the refrigerator, a little preparation goes a long way. Here’s the step-by-step method that will keep it crisp for over a week.

Step 1: Don’t Wash It Yet

It might be tempting to rinse your kale right away, but resist. Storing kale while it’s wet invites mold and speeds up spoilage. You’ll wash it just before you’re ready to use it.

Step 2: Trim the Stems

Take a look at the bottom of the stems. If they look dried out or discolored, give them a fresh trim. Just cut off a small portion, about a quarter-inch. This helps the kale absorb water later in the process.

Step 3: The Towel Wrap Method (Best for Crispness)

This is the most effective technique. You’ll need a few paper towels or a clean, absorbent kitchen towel.

Loosely wrap the bunch of kale in the towel. The goal is to buffer the leaves and catch any excess moisture.
Place the wrapped bundle into a large, open plastic produce bag or a reusable silicone bag. Don’t seal it tightly; you want some air flow.
If your fridge has a high-humidity crisper drawer, place the bag there. The towel acts as a humidity buffer, preventing sogginess.

Step 4: The Jar of Water Method (Like a Bouquet)

This method works great if you have the space. It keeps the kale remarkably perky.

Fill a mason jar or glass with about an inch or two of water.
Place the trimmed stems of the kale bunch into the water, like you would with flowers.
Loosely place a plastic bag over the leaves to create a mini-greenhouse.
Store this setup in the refrigerator, changing the water every couple of days.

How Long Does It Last?

With these methods, fresh dino kale can stay vibrant in your fridge for 7 to 10 days, sometimes even longer. Just check it occasionally and remove any leaves that start to yellow or wilt.

Storing Washed and Chopped Kale

If you prefer to wash and chop your kale for quick cooking, you can store it prepped.

Wash and thoroughly dry the leaves in a salad spinner. This step is non-negotiable for sucess.
Chop or tear the leaves to your desired size.
Store them in an airtight container lined with a paper towel. The towel absorbs lingering moisture. Use prepped kale within 3-4 days for the best quality.

Freezing Dino Kale for Long-Term Storage

Freezing is fantastic for kale you plan to use in cooked dishes like soups, stews, and smoothies. The texture changes, becoming softer, but the flavor and nutrients are preserved.

The Blanching Method (Recommended)

Blanching stops enzyme action that causes loss of flavor and color. It’s worth the extra few minutes.

Bring a large pot of water to a boil and prepare a bowl of ice water.
Wash the kale and remove the tough center ribs if desired.
Submerge the kale in the boiling water for 2-3 minutes.
Quickly transfer it to the ice bath to stop the cooking.
Drain thoroughly and squeeze out excess water. You can chop it now.
Portion the kale into freezer bags, remove as much air as possible, and seal. Label with the date.

The Simple Flash-Freeze Method

For a quicker option, skip the blanching.

Wash, dry, and chop the kale.
Spread the pieces in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Place the sheet in the freezer until the kale is frozen solid (about 1-2 hours).
Transfer the frozen pieces to a freezer bag. This prevents them from clumping into one big block.

Frozen kale is best used within 8-12 months for peak quality.

Reviving Wilted Dino Kale

Did your kale lose its crispness? Don’t toss it! You can often bring it back to life.

Trim the stems again.
Fill a bowl with ice-cold water.
Submerge the wilted leaves for 15-30 minutes.
Dry them completely in a salad spinner or with towels. The cold bath can rehydrate the cells, making the leaves crisp again.

Common Storage Mistakes to Avoid

Knowing what not to do is just as important. Here are common pitfalls:

Sealing it wet: This is the fastest way to get slimy kale. Always ensure leaves are dry before bagging.
Cramming it in a crowded drawer: Kale needs a little air circulation. Packing it too tightly can cause bruising and faster decay.
Storing near ethylene-producing fruits: Apples, bananas, and avocados release a gas that accelerates ripening and wilting in leafy greens. Keep your kale away from them in the fridge.
Ignoring the stems: Those thick stems hold moisture differently than the leaves. For the towel method, keeping the bunch intact is fine. For pre-chopped storage, removing the ribs can help everything dry and store more evenly.

FAQ: Your Dino Kale Storage Questions Answered

Can you store dino kale at room temperature?

For a very short period, yes. If you’ll use it within a day, you can store it on the counter with the stems in a glass of water, away from direct sun. For any longer, the refrigerator is essential.

How do you know when dino kale has gone bad?

Trust your senses. Look for significant yellowing or black spots. Feel for a slimy or mushy texture. Smell it; off kale will have a sour or unpleasant odor. When in doubt, it’s safer to compost it.

What’s the difference between storing dino kale and curly kale?

The methods are very similar. The main difference is that dino kale’s sturdier, flatter leaves can sometimes retain moisture a bit differently. The towel wrap method is especially effective for both, but ensure dino kale is thoroughly dry if you prep it ahead.

Is it better to store kale with or without stems?

For whole bunches, store with stems intact using the towel or jar method. The stems help maintain structure. For pre-washed and chopped kale, removing the tough center ribs leads to more consistent storage and easier cooking later.

Can you store cooked dino kale?

Absolutely. Let cooked kale cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze cooked kale for up to two months, though the texture will become very soft, best for soups.

Mastering how to store dino kale is a simple kitchen skill that pays off. With these tips, you can enjoy this nutritious green at its best, reduce food waste, and always have some ready for a quick saute or a healthy smoothie addition. Just remember the golden rules: keep it dry for the fridge, blanch it for the freezer, and always give wilted kale an ice bath chance.