Okay to harvest kale when it's hot out? Okay to freeze without blanching?

[walterbyrd]

It is a hot day in Denver, Colorado - about 90 degrees.

Kale is grown, I have too much to just pick and use fresh.

I have been told I should never pick veggies when it's hot out. Veggies should only be picked in cool mornings or evenings. Any thoughts?

Some sites say it's okay to just wash, dry, and freeze kale, other sites say kale should be blanched to preserver color, flavor, and nutrition. Any thoughts?

 

[headfullofbees]

Whether or not you blanch depends upon how long you intend to store it frozen; if over a month, I'd blanch. The purpose of blanching is to kill off enzymes which eventually cause veg to deteriorate.
It's nice to be able to pick at perfect times, but not always possible.
Try watering early morning and pick an hour later if you can, but don't lose sleep over it. Better not quite ideal than shop bought, and the difference is marginal.

 

[Esther Knapicius]

I have made Kale Pesto and will freeze portions of it in containers for later use, found no issue from that.