Dehydrating Kale

Overview of harvesting & drying Kale for long term storage

Kale July 1, 2024

• Kale leaves are ready to pick when they are the size of your palm

• remove leaves using pruning scissors/shears at the main stem taking care not to damage the young new leaves. This will ensure continued production throughout the growing season

• wash leaves to remove extraneous material if required

• fold leaves along midrib and remove leaf material from stem by tearing motion

• place whole leaves or pieces onto trays in the oven or a dehydrator

• set dehydrator at lowest setting (if possible below 30’C) and start drying

• Optional (depending on dryer) - every 2 hours rotate trays to ensure even drying

• Kale is done when leaves are crispy dry and crumble readily

• store in glass mason jar with a lid in order to preserve dryness

preparing to dry Kale leaves with stems removed - July 3, 2024

I use a dehydrator with 4 trays like the one picture below. The lowest temperature setting is 35’C, but the actual temperature inside may not be that high.

After 12 hours in the dehydrator.

after being crumbled and stored in glass mason jar