You use fresh vegetables almost every day but have you ever wondered how long fresh vegetables can last?
In this text we will tell you something more about kale. If this is your favorite vegetable this text may be useful for you. Due to its high antioxidant content and relatively low cost, kale is a very popular vegetable. It can be eaten raw but it is also used in many recipes. We will tell you something about this vegetable that you maybe didn’t know about.
Also, we will tell you how long kale can last and how you should store it properly. You will also learn how to recognize the signs of spoilage on your kale. How can you be sure that your kale is fresh and that you can consume it safely? Read along and find out!
More about Kale
Kale is a vegetable that is a relative of cabbage, broccoli and other green leafy vegetables. Kale is also called a leaf cabbage and it has large green or purple leaves, but it doesn’t have a compact head like some other leafy vegetables. As we have already said, kale is rich in antioxidants and it can protect against different types of cancer. Green leaves of kale contain large amounts of lutein that is very important for eye health.
It is also high in iron and calcium and it has many health benefits for people. This vegetable is low in fat and also low in calories, so it can help in weight loss. You can find many varieties of kale at a grocery store, but the most popular are Curly Kale, Red Kale and Dinosaur Kale that is also known as Tuscan. More about the shelf life of kale and more about its proper storage you can see below.
What Is the Shelf Life of Kale?
Like a lot of other vegetables, kale usually doesn’t have a use by date, a sell by date or a best before date. It means that you have to go with a purchase date.
Kale is usually stored in the fridge and it can last for up to five days. If you store it for a longer period of time, you can notice that it is becoming bitter. If kept in the freezer, kale can last for about six to eight months.
How to Store Kale Properly?
Proper storage is the most important for the shelf life of kale and other greens. It is very important not to wash kale before storing it. You should store this vegetable unwashed and place it in the vegetable drawer in the fridge. It is important to store kale in an airtight container that will protect it from moisture and other contaminants. If kale is exposed to moisture, it will spoil more quickly.
Storing kale in containers that are sealed tightly will extend the shelf life of kale. The shelf life of kale will be even longer if you store it in the freezer. But, before freezing kale you should blanch it first and place it into freezer safe containers. This way you will further extend the shelf life of your favorite vegetable.
How To Tell if Kale Has Gone Bad?
It will not be hard to tell if kale has gone bad. When it starts to go bad it will slowly lose its bright green color and it will probably turn a yellow color.
Also, it is possible that you notice brown or even black spots on your kale. In this case, you should discard it immediately. You should look carefully at kale leaves. It is important to remove stems whenever you use kale because the fiber in stems can cause problems in the gastrointestinal tract. If kale has gone bad, it will also smell different.
As you can see, your senses are the most reliable instruments that will tell you if your kale has gone bad or it is still safe to use.
Summary
You could see in this article that kale has to be properly stored if you want to extend its shelf life. Like most other vegetables, kale has to be refrigerated, but it will have the longest shelf life if it is stored in the freezer. Improper storage is the main cause of kale spoilage, so you should provide proper storage conditions. Apart from storing kale in the fridge or in the freezer, it is necessary to place this vegetable in airtight containers.
Also, you should not wash kale before storage, but only before using it. If you notice that your kale has changed in color or texture, it is a sign of the spoilage. In this case you should discard kale as soon as possible. Have in mind that spoiled foods can lead to many health problems.
