Growing Herbs for Chickens -- Rosemary
Growing Rosemary for your Chickens!
Did you know that just a sprinkle of rosemary in your chickens' feed can make a significant impact on their health and productivity? Yes, you read that right.
This fragrant herb isn't just for cooking anymore, it can also play a vital role in the well-being of your flock. In this article, we'll explore the benefits of feeding rosemary to chickens and discover why it's becoming a popular practice among chicken owners. From boosting immunity to improving egg quality, get ready to learn how this simple addition to their diet can make a big difference in your feathered friends' lives.
Growing Herbs for Chickens -- Dill
Do you know that by simply adding one herb to your backyard garden, you can vastly improve the health and productivity of your chickens? Yes, that's right - the small but mighty herb known as dill has been proven to have numerous benefits for our feathered friends.
In this article, we will dive into the world of dill and its powerful effects on chickens. From its nutritional value to its role in preventing common illnesses, we will explore all the reasons why growing dill for your chickens is a must. So grab your gardening gloves and get ready to learn how this simple herb can make a big impact on your flock's well-being.
Why Feed Dill to your Chickens?
Dill is a popular herb that is easy to grow and offers numerous health benefits to your chickens. It is rich in nutrients and has antimicrobial properties that can help prevent infections and promote digestive health. Plus, its unique flavor and aroma can add some variety to your chickens' diet and make their food more appealing.
Vitamins: Dill is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, all of which are important for maintaining healthy immune systems and promoting overall health in chickens.
Minerals: Dill is also a good source of several minerals, including calcium, iron, and manganese. These minerals are important for bone health, blood circulation, and the production of eggs.
Antioxidants: Dill contains several antioxidants, including polyphenols and flavonoids. These antioxidants can help protect chickens' cells from damage and promote overall health.
Essential Oils: Dill also contains essential oils, such as carvone and limonene, which can have antimicrobial properties that can help prevent infections in chickens.
Fiber: Dill is also a good source of dietary fiber, which can help promote digestive health in chickens and prevent digestive issues like constipation.
Overall, dill is a highly nutritious herb that can provide several health benefits to chickens. Incorporating dill into their diet can help promote overall health and well-being, and can be a great way to supplement their regular feed.
Growing Dill
Dill is a warm-season annual herb that has feathery leaves on fronds that add a pleasant anise-like flavor to kinds of seafood, soups, salads, and sauces. Its subtle taste complements fish and shellfish. In addition to providing aromatic seeds and foliage, Dill will brighten your garden with its yellow-green flowers in the spring and fall.
Types of Dill
Bouquet is the most popular Dill grown for its fragrance of leaves and seeds. Used for both pickling and cooking.
Taller Varieties include Mammoth and Long Island and may need to be staked.
Fernleaf Dill Weed (aka the Fish Dill) is popular for its use in fish.
Starting Dill from Seed
Seed Longevity: 3 years.
Seed Dowing Depth: ¼”.
Best Soil Temp for Germination: 60-70 degrees.
Days to Germination: 7-10 days.
Spring Sowing: Direct sow after last frost.
Sow Indoors - Not recommended; does not transplant easily.
Winter Sowing
If you haven't tried winter sowing, you're in for a treat. This method is especially good for sowing herbs. Winter sowing is basically sowing seeds in the bottom of clear milk jugs in the winter, setting the milk jugs outside for the winter and leaving them there until they germinate in the Spring.For our article containing detailed information about Winter Sowing, click here.
Growing Dill
Plant size: Generally grows 2-3’.
Growing Soil Temperature: 60– 70 degrees.
Spacing: 12-15”.
Container Size: 20 seeds per 18” pot.
Soil: Well-drained, moderately rich and loose.
Watering: Loves moist soil.
Light/Sun: Full sun 6-8 hours.
Fertilizer: Light to none.
Good Companions: Cabbage, onions.
Bad Companions: Carrots.
Other Care Tips
- Shelter from strong winds.
- It doesn’t transplant well.
- Successive planting every 2-3 weeks for a continuous supply.
- Attracts beneficial insects such as wasps and other predatory insects.
- Attracts bees and butterflies.
- Tall Dill plants may need staking.
- Create a permanent Dill weed patch by allowing seeds to fall and self sow the next season.
Dill Cuttings
By placing Dill cuttings of 4-5” in length into water, the cuttings will grow roots in 3-4 weeks.
Harvesting Dill Leaves
As soon as the plant has 4-5 leaves, you can start to harvest. Pick off remaining leaves just before the flowers open or let seeds develop for harvesting. You can always pinch off leaves as needed.
Harvesting Dill Seeds
Harvesting Dill Seeds
After the Dill plant flowers, allow the seed heads to dry on the plant. Cut the entire seed head when seeds are a pale brown. Thoroughly dry seeds and store in an airtight container.
Storing Dill
Fresh
Bouquet Storage
This method works well for tender herbs with soft stems and leaves.
Clean and thoroughly dry the Dill. Trim the end of the stems and remove any wilted or browned leaves. Place the Dill into a Mason jar or clear glass with 1" of water like a bouquet of flowers. Loosely cover with a plastic bag or cling wrap. Label and store in the fridge.
Dill will stay fresh in the fridge with this method for up to 3 weeks.
Freezing
For best results, use frozen Dill within 1-2 years.
By freezing herbs, you will lose some of the herb's texture but preserve the flavor.
Here are some suggestions for freezing Dill.
Tray Freeze
Spread the Dill onto a cookie sheet on a single layer. Freeze in the freezer, then transfer the herbs into a labeled freezer bag to store. Since the leaves are frozen separately, you can easily remove the amount you need.
Ice Cube Trays
Clean and thoroughly dry the Dill. Mince and firmly pack herbs into ice cube trays 3/4 full. Add water to fill and freeze. Transfer frozen cubes into a labeled freezer bag to store.
Flat Freezer Bag
Clean and thoroughly dry the Dill. Chop herb into 1/2" pieces, place in a labeled freezer bag. Squeeze out the air, lay flat and freeze.
Drying
Dill does not dry well.
Using Dill
- Brings a great tang to potato recipes.
- A small amount can go a long way, so use sparingly at first.
- Use in salads and salad dressings and of course to pickle cucumbers.
- Delicious accent to eggs, cheese, vegetables, and fish.
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In conclusion, growing dill for chickens is not just a simple task, but a beneficial one for both the chickens and the farmer.
As we've learned, dill provides numerous health benefits for our feathered friends, and its pungent aroma can also repel pests and attract pollinators. But beyond that, it's a reminder that what we choose to grow and feed our animals can have a significant impact on their overall wellbeing.
So, let's strive to be mindful and intentional in our farming practices, and remember that even a small herb like dill has the power to make a big difference.
Growing your own herbs is fun, easy, more healthy than the herbs shipped to grocery stores, and what's best, saves you tons of money! Try it today.
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Growing Herbs for Chickens -- Cilantro!
Growing Herbs for Chickens -- Cilantro!
Chicken feed isn't cheep! Luckily, there are some ways that you can reduce your bagged chicken feed bill.
Do you want to provide your chickens with the freshest, most nutritious food possible? Look no further than your own backyard!
Cilantro, a delicious and versatile herb, can be easily grown to feed your feathered friends. Not only will your chickens love the taste, but you'll also save money and have the satisfaction of knowing exactly what they're eating.
In this article, we'll dive into the ins and outs of growing cilantro for your flock, from the benefits of this herb to useful tips and tricks. So grab your gardening gloves and get ready to learn put a dent in your chicken feed bill by growing herbs for them!
Chickens LOVE eating cilantro. It's a great source of vitamins A, C, and K. This herb can strengthen a chicken's immune system and can help aid bone support. Cilantro is a great source of antioxidants, and the seeds have anti-parasitic properties.
The seeds also have anti-parasitic properties. Due to its remarkable ability to remove these pathogens from the digestive tract, cilantro is one of the best herbs to feed laying hens and baby chicks.
The best reason to feed Cilantro to your chickens? They love it. Chickens enjoy eating both the leaves and stems of cilantro.
One of the world's most popular spices with a zesty, citrus flavor. It’s a fast-growing and easy-to-grow tender herb from the carrot family. Cilantro is the actual leaves of the plant, while Coriander refers to the two Cilantro seeds that are actually encased in the husk. Cilantro has a short life cycle and bolts quickly to produce its seeds in hot weather, so succession sowing of 2-3 weeks is recommended for a continued supply.
Seed Longevity: Five years.
Seed Sowing Depth: 1/4” to 1/2” deep.
Best Soil Temp for Germination: 55 – 65 degrees.
Days to Germination 7-10.
Seed Spacing: At 2-3” tall thin to 5” apart.
For a detailed blog about Winter Sowing, click here.
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Plant Size: Height 18-24" Width to 18"
Soil Temperature: 50 - 75 degrees.
Spacing in Beds: 6-8"
Container Size: 8-10" deep and 18" wide
Soil: Well draining.
Watering: Dry soil causes the plant to bolt.
Light/Sun: For seeds, full sun. For leaves, light shade.
Fertilizer: Avoid fertilizer if growing for seed since that may actually delay
Leaves can be cut at any time. Use the upper newly-cut leaves for cooking.
Harvest large seeds on a dry day. Cut off the top of stems when the seed pods begin to turn brown and crack if pressed. Place seed pods in a paper bag and let dry. Pods can be rolled around in between your fingers to release the seeds.
Fresh
This method works well for tender herbs with soft stems and leaves.
Clean and thoroughly dry the Cilantro. Trim the ends of the stems and remove any wilted or browned leaves. Place Cilantro in a Mason jar or clear glass with 1" of water like a bouquet of flowers. Loosely cover with a plastic bag or cling wrap. Label and store in the fridge.
Cilantro will stay fresh in the fridge with this method for up to 3 weeks.
For best results, use frozen Cilantro within 1 to 2 years. By freezing herbs, you will lose some of the herb's texture but preserve the flavor.
Here are some methods for freezing:
Clean and thoroughly dry the Cilantro. Chop herbs into 1/2" pieces, place in a labeled freezer bag. Squeeze out the air, lay flat and freeze.
Why Feed Cilantro to Chickens
Chickens LOVE eating cilantro. It's a great source of vitamins A, C, and K. This herb can strengthen a chicken's immune system and can help aid bone support. Cilantro is a great source of antioxidants, and the seeds have anti-parasitic properties.
The seeds also have anti-parasitic properties. Due to its remarkable ability to remove these pathogens from the digestive tract, cilantro is one of the best herbs to feed laying hens and baby chicks.
The best reason to feed Cilantro to your chickens? They love it. Chickens enjoy eating both the leaves and stems of cilantro.
Cilantro Basics
Starting Cilantro from Seed
Seed Sowing Depth: 1/4” to 1/2” deep.
Best Soil Temp for Germination: 55 – 65 degrees.
Days to Germination 7-10.
Seed Spacing: At 2-3” tall thin to 5” apart.
Spring Sowing
Start seeds indoors 2 weeks before the last frost date to plant out after the danger of frost has passed.Direct Sowing
After the threat of frost has passed and every three weeks until Fall.Fall Sowing
Winter Sowing
If you haven't tried winter sowing, you're in for a treat. This method is especially good for sowing herbs. Winter sowing is basically sowing seeds in the bottom of a milk jug in the winter, setting the milk jugs outside for the winter and leaving them there until the seeds germinate in the Spring.For a detailed blog about Winter Sowing, click here.
Other Sowing Tips
- Cilantro reseeds easily, so give it a place in your garden to do so.
- Cilantro will bolt quickly in hot weather.
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Growing Cilantro
Plant Size: Height 18-24" Width to 18"
Soil Temperature: 50 - 75 degrees.
Spacing in Beds: 6-8"
Container Size: 8-10" deep and 18" wide
Soil: Well draining.
Watering: Dry soil causes the plant to bolt.
Light/Sun: For seeds, full sun. For leaves, light shade.
Fertilizer: Avoid fertilizer if growing for seed since that may actually delay
flowering.
Other Care Tips
- For a continuous supply, make succession sowings every three weeks.
- Snip off the top part of the main stem as soon as it develops flower buds or seed pods.
Harvesting Cilantro Leaves
Leaves can be cut at any time. Use the upper newly-cut leaves for cooking.
Harvesting Coriander Seeds
Harvest large seeds on a dry day. Cut off the top of stems when the seed pods begin to turn brown and crack if pressed. Place seed pods in a paper bag and let dry. Pods can be rolled around in between your fingers to release the seeds.
Storing Cilantro
Fresh
Bouquet Storage
This method works well for tender herbs with soft stems and leaves.
Clean and thoroughly dry the Cilantro. Trim the ends of the stems and remove any wilted or browned leaves. Place Cilantro in a Mason jar or clear glass with 1" of water like a bouquet of flowers. Loosely cover with a plastic bag or cling wrap. Label and store in the fridge.
Cilantro will stay fresh in the fridge with this method for up to 3 weeks.
Freezing
For best results, use frozen Cilantro within 1 to 2 years. By freezing herbs, you will lose some of the herb's texture but preserve the flavor.
Here are some methods for freezing:
Tray Freeze
Spread the Cilantro onto a cookie sheet on a single layer. Freeze in the freezer, then transfer the herbs into a labeled freezer bag to store. Since the leaves are frozen separately, you can easily remove the amount you need.Ice Cube Trays
Clean and thoroughly dry the Cilantro. Mince and firmly pack herbs into ice cube trays 3/4 full. Add water to fill and freeze. Transfer frozen cubes into a labeled freezer bag to store.Flat Freezer Bag
Clean and thoroughly dry the Cilantro. Chop herbs into 1/2" pieces, place in a labeled freezer bag. Squeeze out the air, lay flat and freeze.
Using Cilantro
- In omelets.
- A staple in Latin and Asian cooking. The sweet stems are usually eaten raw.
- Use fresh whenever possible.
- Sprinkle raw Cilantro on salads or salsas.
- The seeds are mildly spicy. Good for casseroles and baked goods.
- Also adds a nice aroma to the kitchen!
Growing your own herbs is fun, easy, more healthy than the herbs shipped to grocery stores, and what's best, saves you tons of money! Try it today.
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Growing Herbs for Chickens -- Sage
GROWING SAGE
Perennial Zones 4 – 8 (Hardiness Varies)
Sage is a shrubby perennial that’s an obvious choice for the kitchen. From spring through mid-summer, Sage displays blue to lavender flowers which are very attractive to birds. It has an earthy, rich, spicy flavor and it is part of the mint family.
The most popular types of culinary Sage are Garden Sage, Golden Garden Sage, Berggarten Garden Sage, Dwarf Garden Sage, Tricolor Garden Sage, and Window Box Sage.
GROWING SAGE FOR CHICKENS
Sage is a great herb for the overall health of your chickens. It acts as an antioxidant and can help combat salmonella. You can add this dried herb to your chicken's daily feed or give it to your flock fresh.
Sage is a highly nutritious herb that provides several health benefits for chickens. Here are some of the nutritional benefits of sage for chickens:
Vitamins: Sage is a good source of vitamins that are essential for chickens, including vitamins A, K, and B-complex vitamins. These vitamins help promote healthy growth, strong bones, and a robust immune system.
Minerals: Sage is also a great source of several minerals that are vital for chickens, including calcium, iron, and magnesium. These minerals play a crucial role in the development of strong bones, healthy blood circulation, blood vessel development and proper muscle function.
Antioxidants: Sage is a rich source of antioxidants. These antioxidants help protect the cells from oxidative stress, which can cause cellular damage and increase the risk of chronic diseases.
Anti-inflammatory properties: Sage contains compounds that have anti-inflammatory properties. These compounds can help reduce inflammation in the body which can help alleviate pain and promote overall health.
Starting Sage from Seed
Seed Longevity: 2 years.
Seed Sowing Depth: Surface, cover lightly.
Best Soil Temp for Germination: 65 – 70 degrees.
Days to Germination: 15-21 days.
Spring Sowing:
Sow Indoors 6 – 8 weeks before the last frost. Transplant out after the last frost date.
Fall: Not recommended.
Winter Sowing
For our article containing detailed information about Winter Sowing, see our separate article.
Growing Sage
Plant Size: 1-3’ Height.
Growing Soil Temperature: 55 – 80 degrees.
Spacing: 12 - 18”.
Container Size: 12” x 12” good size for Sage.
Soil: Well-drained.
Watering: Light, only during dry spells. Avoid overwatering.
Light/Sun: Full sun to light shade.
Fertilizer: Add some compost throughout the year.
Other Care Tips:
- Prefers cool to warm temperatures and will need some shade during the hot weather.
- The plant should be replaced every 4-5 years.
- Remove flower spikes before they have a chance to flower.
- After three years, trim off woody parts to encourage new growth.
Dividing Sage
Best to divide Sage every 4-5 years when the plant becomes woody. Dig up the entire plant, and using a sharp shovel, divide it into sections. Remove all woody parts and replant the tender sections planting at the same depth.
Softwood Cuttings of Sage
Take cuttings in spring when new growth is several inches in length. Side shoots of 4" in length are perfect. Cut the stem at an angle and remove lower leaves leaving an inch or two of the stem bare. Plant cutting bare side down into a well-drained soil mix. No fertilizer is needed at this stage.
Wrap the container in plastic to keep in humidity. Avoid having the leaves touch the plastic. Place the pot in light but out of direct light. Keep soil moist but never soggy. Remove the plastic when cutting grows roots. A light tug that gives you some resistance means it has rooted.
Harvesting Sage
Start to harvest Sage once you see good growth on the plant. Best harvested when tops of blossoms are barely open. You can gather leaves at any time. Sage is most flavorful as flowers begin to open. Purple-leaved Sage tends to be more aromatic than green-leaved Sage.
Storing Sage
Fresh
Damp Paper Towel
This method works well for hardy herbs that have woody stems as well as a few soft-stemmed herbs.
Clean and thoroughly dry the Sage. Arrange lengthwise in a single layer on a slightly damp paper towel. Loosely roll up the herb and transfer to a plastic bag or plastic wrap. Label and store in the fridge. Sage will stay fresh in the fridge using this method for up to 2 weeks.
Freezing
For best results, use frozen Sage within 1-2 years. By freezing herbs, you will lose some of the herb's texture but preserve the flavor. Here are a few freezing options to consider:
Tray Freeze
Strip leaves off the stems of the Sage and spread onto a cookie sheet on a single layer. Freeze in the freezer, then place it in a labeled freezer bag to store. Since the leaves are frozen separately, you can easily remove the amount you need.
Ice Cube Trays with Oil
This method works well for hard-stemmed herbs that would probably be cooked when adding to a dish. The oil reduces some of the browning and freezer burns.
Clean and thoroughly dry herbs. Mince and firmly pack herbs into an ice cube tray 3/4 full. Add Olive Oil to fill and freeze. Transfer frozen cubes into labeled freezer bags to store.
Flat Freezer Bag
Trim off the stems and place them in a labeled freezer bag. Squeeze out the air, flatten the freezer bag, label and store.
Drying
Sage contains more oil than most other herbs so it dries more slowly. It is one of the best herbs to dry. For best results, use dried Sage within 1-2 years.
Hang to Dry
Pick your Sage in bunches right before you intend to store them. Tie the bottom of the bunch together with twine and hang upside down to dry in a dry, low humidity area. For added protection against dust, you can put the bundles inside paper bags with plenty of holes for ventilation. When the herbs are dry, the leaves will crumble easily between your fingers. Store in an airtight container.
Using Sage
- Sage can be overwhelming so start with small amounts.
- Use leaves fresh in recipes or add them sparingly to salads.
- Dried sage is commonly used with Thanksgiving stuffing.
- It can be paired with pork, beans, potatoes, and cheese.
- You can mix it into a soft cheese for a tasty bread spread.
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Including sage in your chicken's diet can provide a range of nutritional benefits that can help promote their health and well-being. Whether you add it to their regular feed or use it as a natural insect repellent or as a natural antibiotic, sage is an excellent herb to incorporate into your chicken's diet.
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Growing Kale for Chickens!
GROWING KALE FOR YOUR CHICKENS!
Did you know that chickens who dine on kale regularly lay eggs with more vibrant yolks and stronger shells?" This statement may come as a surprise to many of us, as kale is often viewed as a trendy superfood for humans.
But what if I told you that growing kale for your chickens can not only improve their health, but also benefit your own diet?
From its easy cultivation to its nutritional benefits, kale is the perfect addition to your backyard chicken feed.
In this article, we will explore the reasons why growing kale for your chickens is a win-win situation and how to do it successfully. So grab your gardening gloves and let's get started on this leafy adventure!
Why Grow Kale for your Chickens?
Kale is high in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A and calcium, which are good for bone health and egg production.
Kale can help with a chicken's digestion.
Kale can support a chicken's immune system.
Darker yolks: Dark leafy greens like kale can result in darker, richer yolks.
How to Feed Kale to Chickens
Here are some tips for feeding kale to chickens:
Chop or shred kale into small pieces to make it easier for chickens to digest.
Introduce gradually
As with any new food, introduce kale gradually and monitor your chickens' health and behavior.
Avoid overconsumption
Too much kale can cause digestive issues like diarrhea or crop impaction.
Consider egg taste
Kale can taint the taste of eggs, so make sure chickens don't eat too much.
Growing Kale
A hardy biennial usually grown as an annual.
Here are some tips for feeding kale to chickens:
Chop or shred kale into small pieces to make it easier for chickens to digest.
Introduce gradually
As with any new food, introduce kale gradually and monitor your chickens' health and behavior.
Avoid overconsumption
Too much kale can cause digestive issues like diarrhea or crop impaction.
Consider egg taste
Kale can taint the taste of eggs, so make sure chickens don't eat too much.
Growing Kale
Height 12-18" Width 8-12"
When it comes to Kale in salads, Kale adds substance, color, and most importantly nutrition. Its colorful leaves are packed with vitamins and minerals. Kale's leaf texture can range from deeply puckered to deeply frilled.
Types:
Curley Leaf (Scotts Kale). Noticeable pungent flavor with a peppery quality....
Dinosaur Kale. Hearty leaves that are tall and narrow. It retains its firm texture even after cooking. It is slightly sweeter with a more delicate taste.
Red Russian Kale. Flat, fringed leaves that resemble large Arugula leaves. Great sweet flavor with a bit of pepper.
Rape kale (aka Leaf and Spear). A cross between a curly leaf and plain leaf.
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Starting Seeds of Kale
Seed Depth: 1/2"
Seed Spacing: 3"
Days to Germinate: 5-7 days.
Days to Harvest:
70-95 from seed. 55-75 days from transplants.
Seed Longevity: 2 years.
Sowing Indoors:
Spring: Sow 5-7 weeks before your last average frost date. Plant out as transplants 1-2 weeks before your average expected frost date.
Sowing Outdoors:
Spring: Direct sow 2-4 weeks before your average last frost date or as soon as the soil can be worked.
If you haven't tried winter sowing, you're in for a treat. This method is especially good for sowing herbs and greens. Winter sowing is basically sowing seeds in the bottom of a milk jug during the winter, setting the milk jugs outside for the winter and leaving them there until the seeds germinate in Spring.
To see our full Winter Sowing article, click here.
Growing Kale Plants
Plant Spacing: Thin plants to 12-15" apart.
Container Size: 6-8" depth.
Sun/Shade: Part sun/part shade.
Soil: Rich in nitrogen.
Watering: Consistent moisture for best flavor.
Water heavily during the growing season.
Fertilizing:
If grown in nutrient-rich soil, your Kale plants won't need any fertilizer until after the first flush of leaves. Then one side dressing of balanced fertilizer is all that the plant should need for the growing season.
Harvesting Kale
Harvest Kale when the plant is 8-10" high, starting with the outside leaves. To harvest the entire plant, cut 2" above ground level. The plant will sprout new leaves in 1-2 weeks.Using Kale
- Remove stems before cooking.
- Use young leaves raw in salads
- Substitute Kale for spinach in any recipe.
- Kale chips, kale pesto, sauteed Kale, Kale Quich, Kale Soup, Kale slaw.
Kale can also be used as a garnish!
Storing Kale For Later Use
Although tender green leaves, like Lettuce, can't be preserved well, the thicker leaved greens can be.
Fresh
- Clean and pat dry. Bundle stems lightly, place on a paper towel (to absorb moisture) and wrap in a plastic bag. Keeps in refrigerator for 10 days.
- Steam or saute' leaves, chop them and store in freezer bags.
- Puree with water and freeze into ice cube trays.
- Clean and dry the leaves and store in quart size freezer bags.
- Frozen leaves will keep for 6 months.
- Blanching the leaves for two minutes first will extend freezer storage to 14 months.
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Kale is one of the most nutrition crops you can grow. I love kale in soups, stir fries, steamed or even eating baby kale leaves in salads. It's often found in mesclun and lettuce mixes to add a deep green color and crunchy texture.
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This post may contain Amazon affiliate links and as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases without costing you anything extra.
This post may contain Amazon affiliate links and as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases without costing you anything extra.
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