This week we pulled most of the kale from our garden to make room for our spring plants. This meant I had about 20 heads of kale to wash, de-stem, dry, and store. In this video I’ll show you how to wash, de-stem, and dry kale. This process works with other types of greens too.
WHY YOU NEED TO CLEAN AND DE-STEM KALE
Kale grows close to the ground and many of the variety have curly leaves that trap the dirt. You also want to remove any bugs and if you use pesticides you’ll want to remove that too before munching down. This is true rather you grow it or buy it.
HOW TO WASH KALE
To wash kale rinse it off and fill a sink with cool water and submerge the kale for about an hour. After soaking your kale drain the water off. If you still notice some dirt rinse it again.
HOW TO DE-STEM KALE
To de-stem kale, grab a stalk of kale, hold it by the stem with one hand and place the pointer or middle finger and thumb of your other hand around the stem just above the leaves. Pull your fingers along the stem, tearing the leaves off. You can do this step right above the sink after you wash your kale leaves.
HOW TO DRY KALE
To dry the kale place it on dish towels and then roll the dish towel up squeezing it gently as you go.