Green cabbage is a typical winter vegetable that is harvested around November. It is important that the kale gets frost.
Kale is one of the most popular winter vegetables. But how and when is it best harvested and how can you store it afterwards?Harvest kale - when is the best time?
Because kale is a winter vegetable, it is typical that it is usually harvested after the first real frost. The harvest season normally begins around November and can then last for several months. The type of kale is also important. All are hardy and differ mainly in colour, flavor and sub-zero resilience.
After the first frost, the kale gets its typical taste. It is then sweeter, with the young and tender leaves tasting best. Important: If you think you can harvest the kale before the first frost and then let it mature in the freezer, you are wrong. Putting the kale overnight in the freezer will not affect its flavor or allow it to mature.Harvest kale
The following must be observed when harvesting:
- It is best to pick only the outer leaves.
- This stimulates the growth of the plant and increases the yield.
- If you leave a few of the kale leaves over the winter, they will sprout again in the spring and form flowers.
In general, it is recommended not to harvest the kale all at once, but over time. This way you can also check when it is best for your own taste.
Best way to store kale
In general, kale is mainly eaten in the wintertime. But with the right tricks, you can make it last longer so that it makes a tasty change on the plate all year round.
Raw kale is best stored in the crisper of the refrigerator. There it stays fresh for about three to four days. You can also freeze or boil kale.
➔ Freeze Kale
Before you freeze kale in batches, here are a few things to consider:Step 1 -Wash the kalethoroughly.
Step 2 - The main stalk is always removed.
Step 3 - Now blanch the kale in boiling s alted water for two to three minutes.
Step 4 - Then it is cold water.
Step 5 - When the kale has cooled down, chop it up.
Step 6 - Now you can put it in appropriate containers and freeze it.
➔ Boil kale
The classic way of storing kale is probably preserving it. It is important that you have the right jars that are airtight and store the vegetables sterile.We recommend:
Proceed as follows to preserve:
- The kale is first cleaned of all dirt.
- It is then placed in boiling s alted water for six to eight minutes.
- Now you can chop or portion the kale.
- The vegetables can then be portioned and placed in the previously boiled jars.
- The jars are filled with s alt water and sealed.
- The closed jars are now boiled for 20 minutes.
Unfortunately, there is no way to prevent the loss of some of the vitamins in kale when you boil it. Still, it's a highly recommended way to make kale last longer.