In the freezer
8–12 months
Yes — freezes well
Quality holds for about 8–12 months at 0°F / -18°C. Frozen food stays safe indefinitely; only quality declines.
Quick answer
Yes: kale keeps 8–12 months in the freezer at 0°F (-18°C), compared with 3–5 days in the fridge.
How to freeze kale
- Leafy greens and herbs lose their crunch when frozen.
- For cooking, blanch greens or chop herbs into ice-cube trays with oil or water.
- Add straight from frozen to soups, sauces and stir-fries.
How to thaw kale
In the fridge
Move it to the fridge the night before; this keeps texture best.
At room temperature
Only for shelf-stable items; perishable food should not thaw on the counter.
From frozen
Many foods can go straight into soups, sauces, smoothies or the oven.
Yes — freezes wellQuality holds for about 8–12 months at 0°F / -18°C. Frozen food stays safe indefinitely; only quality declines.
Freezer vs fridge vs counter
Kale Per USDA FoodKeeper
On the counterCounter
Not recommended
keep it cold
In the fridgeFridge
3–5 days
at or below 40°F (4°C)
In the freezerFreezer
8–12 months
at 0°F; quality, not safety
More about kale
FAQ
How long can you freeze kale?
About 8–12 months for best quality at 0°F (-18°C). Kept frozen, it stays safe longer, but texture and flavour fade.
How do you thaw frozen kale?
Move it to the fridge the night before; this keeps texture best.
Can you refreeze kale?
Only if it was thawed in the fridge and has not been left out. Quality drops each time.
Does freezing kill bacteria in kale?
No. Freezing pauses bacteria; they become active again as the food thaws. Cook or reheat to a safe temperature.
Numbers on this page come from USDA FoodKeeper and FSIS guidance. Last verified November 2026. How we verify our data · Report a wrong number