How to Dehydrate Kale and make Green Powder

[@mikey6071]

You sure are teaching me the art of drying herbs. I thank you, and you would be a great teacher to teach children in your community :)

[@carriem7832]

I bought organic strawberries and did the vinegar wash....lots of dirt ended up in the bottom of the sink......I wash all fruit and I made a vinegar spray for bananas , who knows what is sprayed on them..... The kale stems, veggies scraps and onion ends, asparagus hard stems etc go into my instant pot and I made a great veggie broth... Also I cook cauliflower leaves and broccoli leaves......just like kale and I also dehydrate them for green powder....today I picked large beet leaves and will dehydrate them along with lettuce, celery, cabbage, carrots and peppers.....great add on to soups and better then buying salt laden bouillon.

[@hookandstonecreations1229]

Thank you for taking the time to show how to dehydrate kale. I'm growing kale this year and don't want any to go to waste. It is so good in lentil soups, so i got to thinking i could dry the extra this summer and add it to soups all winter.

[@ladybugauntiep]

I’m learning here too… love the idea of adding it to soups!!! Yum!

[@carolschedler3832]

I’m not fond of cooked greens but I love to steam those stems. They taste a lot like broccoli. Thanks for the great tips and instruction!

[@cbass2755]

I just dehydrated my kale and put it all on a cookie sheet. I then crushed it all with my hands. I found a piece of stem in their and tossed it. It’s easier that way, for me anyway. Then, I put it in a grinder and made my powder. It’s lovely…..

[@barbarannie]

Darcy, I made green powder and so far I have used it on scrambled eggs, and baked potatoes. I love it. Thank you

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Awesome - glad you do!

[@jojow8416]

Great video! I toss all of my stems, including herb stems in a bag in the freezer and use them in stocks.

[@carolsbitesandpieces8127]

I bought a couple bunches each of collards and kale. I had never dehydrated them before so I just wash them thoroughly, cut off the stems, chopped them into small pieces and put them on my dehydrator. BUT, I thought, why not just check out a few videos about it. Guess who I found? Hmm. I decided to rescue the greens and soaked them in the vinegar and water solution, grabbed a fluffy towel and now they’re back in the dehydrator. THANKS for tips. The stems are in little containers and in the freezer!!! Good idea! Have you ever thought about putting your powder in empty capsules? Seems like it could be a good thing for those who want to get their five servings while working.

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Yep - already do: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jXesY2eimr1jnNE

[@carmellacurry]

Thankyou so much for your comprehensive and detailed videos Darcy. I have just ordered my first dehydrator. A 9 tray Excalibur with analogue controls, Your videos are the first ones I found on the subject, and I love your no nonsense style and excellent tuition. I look forward to learning about the amazing variety of foods I can dehydrate and all the storage advice. I will be viewing all of your videos over the next few weeks. I was told recently that vinegar neutralizes any toxic sprays used in the production. So I will use this method before drying all my produce. It's wonderful to read all the extra advice and tips from the comments section too. You have a band of loyal followers, including me now :) Cheers from Down Under :)

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Welcome to the addiction!!!!!

[@carmellacurry]

@@ThePurposefulPantry Thanks Darcy :) I am a cook by trade and you just can't keep me out of the kitchen! I love everything to do with food :) I make preserves and sell them at my local Farmers Market. Have been doing it now for 20 years.

[@cynforrest]

Me too.

[@cherylkelley1970]

I have a very small space, I am dehydrating tomatoes in my 2nd bedroom, canning meat in kitchen and vacuum sealing sugar in the living room. Thank you for doing this.

[@suelizzi1764]

Thank you so much for your wonderful, informative and interesting video without all the chatter that a lot of people do on youtube. Much appreciated!

[@jojacobs305]

So glad I have finally stumbled across your utube as you are amazing as you don’t waste a thing…binging as many of your vlogs as possible great instructional s my last try at dehydrating chillies was an epic fail as they all went mouldy within two weeks but it was humid and I did not know about the shaking every day thanks for sharing your awesome tips

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

They weren't dry in the first place. Conditioning just helps you catch a problem before mold forms, but if they molded that quickly, they weren't dry. Try again!

[@tammylemoine3019]

You would make a wonderful teacher💞

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Wow, thank you!

[@alfredasprings6476]

I agree 🌿

[@suelizzi1764]

she already is.

[@c007zy]

Brand new to dehydrating so I appreciate all your help!!!

[@laurahoback8593]

I combine Spinach, Kale, Swiss Chard, Collard Greens and Zucchini for a power green. Like you I add it to breakfast smoothie and meatloaf. Also, dehydrated Avocado pit powder is great when I run out of fresh Avocado. LOVE the shirt!!

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Yes! My family likes to joke, if it's green, Mom's going to put it in the powder! Hmm...you dehydrate an avocado pit? That's a new one on me! I'll have to investigate that!

[@notmebutyou8350]

I love Swiss chard! It is a beautiful vegetable.

[@moniquekilmer7618]

I love your videos. You give easy and thorough directions and information. Thank you for this. I will he drying some tomorrow while canning. :)

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

You are so welcome! Thanks for the kind words!

[@Earthy-Artist]

Thanks- good idea regarding filling every other tray👍🏻, I did that in my Nesco by leaving every other tray empty with no matt.

[@languagelynnie]

Love your honesty about the process!

[@scottjosephgaffney3867]

I'm gonna give my salad spinner lined with a milk sack a try for drying my leaves and then place on a towel if needed great info, thank you very much for your wonderful videos

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Sounds great!

[@zinnialady5153]

Very helpful, thank you. Had run out of space to freeze. Turned out great.

[@c007zy]

I'm so glad that you show your oops too! Thank you 😊

[@istp1967]

Nice and easy and thorough; great for prepping and for camping too. . . 👍👍👍

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Glad you liked it!

[@genellpike9573]

Love your clear teaching style and grateful your videos don’t contain music❤️ did you rinse the vinegar off the kale after soaking?

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Thank you! And no, I didn't.

[@cynforrest]

Great vid. I’m just learning. Bought a Cosori. Got it outta da box today! Cute shirt - ordered one. Thanks for all you teach. Appreciate it!

[@londonpickering8675]

Oddly satisfying. Thanks for posting.

[@vanguardiris3232]

I'm so excited to try this! I don't like leaves in general, but I got a big bag of kale in a mystery box and I'd hate to waste it. I'm thinking of making a mint-and-greens ice cream. Wish me luck!

[@doreenhammond1779]

I’m getting ready to get my first dehydrator and am super excited. I hate veggies and won’t eat them but I think I would eat them much more this way snuck into other foods and smoothies yes?

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

We have a child like that. I'm about to do a video on the quickest way to build your veggie powder...keep an eye out in a few days ;)

[@carriem7832]

The Lord's Quilters My husband does not like greens so I put veggie powder in soups, casseroles and sauce...he hates the look of avocados so I purée it and put it into the chili....what happens in the kitchen stays in the kitchen....😉

[@ms.anonymousinformer242]

@@carriem7832 How to hide the green color or does it blend in ? My child is so difficult (only one out of 4 like this) if he knows its in there even without the taste he protests it

[@carriem7832]

@@ms.anonymousinformer242 Hide it in soups and casseroles....chili, spaghetti, lasagna anything with a dark sauce......it’s how I use it so my husband doesn’t see green.....mix it at nite or early morning so he doesn’t see you doing it....just a little is better then none.

[@Suzy-nq2yc]

You are so intelligent and so nice! Love watching your videos!

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@Eubones]

Tried rinsing leafy greens in vinegar water once, without rinsing off the vinegar. Ended up with vinegar tasting greens. Next time they’ll be rinsed off.

[@christinenonyabidness6853]

It is ok to leave the vinegar water on, and not rinse it off? The kale does not taste like vinegar? I LOVE your channel, I get a trunk load of produce once a month from a produce rescue program, and have fun canning, pickling, and dehydrating.

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

I don't rinse. I soak, drain and dry. But you're welcome to rinse, too!

[@FoodnEverythingelse]

Great tutorial ...thanks to explain everything in details.

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

thanks~

[@amyjooliver5190]

Thank you so much!! I’m new to this and your video was so helpful! I need your shirt!! 😀

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Here you go! www.amazon.com/dp/B07S24GZYM

[@juliaroman9157]

liked this video.. it would be great to see how you use the powdered kale. like some recipes

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Toss 1/2 tablespoon into anything - spaghetti sauce, eggs, any casserole, any soup. There's no particular recipe, just use it.

[@jo-sully-anne2418]

Came over to see you from Amanda at The Fundamental Home. Looking forward to watching your videos 👍🏻

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Glad to have you here, Jo! Welcome!!!

[@chrissyscornerforcollector524]

Learning so much!

[@ptcreations8947]

I tried cooking Kale....yuck! LoL. But I had made some pepper powder, and add it to cooking..especially eggs. I don't like biting into soft cooked peppers...lol. so thought this would work for Kale because Krogers had the big bags like you have in this video because they were marked down to 90 CENTS! I grabbed...5 or 6 lol. Plenty left for the next person(s)

[@ediemurray1692]

I cook my stems after I chop them up and then dehydrate the stems

[@frankortolano5886]

Excellent video,,,thank you

[@maggiemurray8522]

You have become my got to for pantry information. Once the kale is powdered how many tablespoon for 1 serving? How would you calculate that?Thank you . for the great video 🇨🇦

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Measure it by keeping a separate tray to start the amount you want to measure (or weigh it), dry it (and measure or weigh it), powder (measure or weight it). But generally 1/3-1/4 C dried = 1 C fresh = 1 TB powdered.

[@MrsRGAllen]

I'm dehydrating kale for the first time today. I was printing out select pages from your ebook, when I realized I needed to reduce the temperature down to 95... 😁 Mushroom dehydrating question: In one of your mushroom videos, you mentioned not dehydrating mushrooms with other things to prevent the spread of mushroom spores. Do you think that means we need to wipe down the entire dehydrator on the inside before using the dehydrator for anything else? TIA

[@sherryharris8441]

My first batch of kale powder was perfect, thanks to your videos! Now my kale has just started to bolt and the larger leaves are a bit bitter. Since the powder is usually a "hidden" ingredient and only a small amount is used, will the bitterness be noticeable?

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

If you use too much, yes. If you'd eat it, dry it. If you wouldn't eat it, don't dry it.

[@evied.4475]

And thank you again!

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Any time!

[@frankortolano5886]

Brilliant

[@wintergreen1162]

I’m laughing and picturing you putting your kale in the washing machine & tumbling them in your dryer!

[@pamgraham338]

Going to do it tonight

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Can't wait to hear what you think about it!

[@pamgraham338]

The Purposeful Pantry I did it and have a second batch in the dehydrater. Love it. Thank you so much for showing me. I should end up with about 2 cups. Maybe a little less. I will for sure do this again.

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

@@pamgraham338 That's great, Pam! Introduce it slowly into your meals and work your way up.

[@pamgraham338]

The Purposeful Pantry oh I will. If I want to put it in soups and or stews how much do you think is a good amount

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

In the post linked in the description, there's a chart of how much converts - but I start with about a TB of greens to dishes and wor my up each time so there isn't too much green flavor.

[@SweetVelvetBuds]

Great video. Thanks

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Glad you liked it!

[@commonweakness9060]

Great video. What kind of Excalibur dryer do you have. And do you have any advice for somebody buying their first dehydrator? Thanks!

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

The 3900 - and here's info www.thepurposefulpantry.com/tips-for-buying-a-dehydrator/

[@cliffspicer6555]

When creating a powder is there a formula for how much powder is the equivalent of a cup Darcy,or do you just do it in your head, knowing how much you started with to how much you ended up with?

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

1 Cup fresh = 1/4 Cup dried = 1 TB powdered - a loose formula

[@cliffspicer6555]

@@ThePurposefulPantry perfect ! Thanks so much

[@mspeedie52]

What about swiss chard. Can you do it with Swiss chard as you do Kale?

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Yes - they work exactly the same, but you might want to make sure to cut the leaves down and remove the rib. If you want to be entered into the contest - make sure you're a subscriber and confirm it here. Thanks.

[@cowgirl9543]

Thank you for such a through video. I would have added the stems. (I’m a newby!) ♥️♥️♥️

[@dianequinn8309]

Maybe you have answered this. How long do powdered veggies last on the shelf and could they be vacuum sealed to last longer

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

6-9 months, optimally. Your mileage may vary depending on your storage situation. You can if you'd like.

[@vickiterry1737]

Have you ever thought about using a salad spinner to get rid of even more water? This will reduce the wait time for the drying cycle.

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Yes, I already use one, thanks.

[@lisamielke2607]

Hi Darcy, I am new to dehydrating. What greens would you recommend dehydrating to cover a variety of vitamins in minerals for boosting immune system?

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

I'm not a doctor or a nutritionist. Dark leafy greens of all kinds are good.

[@joeharlan8867]

Works good in cake or cookie mix. Kids never taste or know.

[@diannegerspacher4889]

Do you wash off the vinegar water before dehydrating? Blessings to you and your family 🙏

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Nope You can if you wish.

[@latericahughes1059]

I don’t have a dehydrator so I put mines in oven it was crispy and turning brown ? Does it suppose to be brown

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Your oven was too hot. You'll have to turn it down as low as it can go, and prop the door open if you can to allow the heat and moisture eo escape (but please don't use this option if you have small children or mobility impaired individuals in your home).

[@latericahughes1059]

The Purposeful Pantry thank you I tried it again & it worked

[@beatricealcaraz5799]

Hi, Darcy great video, can I use the powder in smoothies?

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Yes you can!

[@u007foshay]

What if you put the kale w/stems in a Ninja w/3 blades and a tish bit of water and pureed it like a pesto and dried them on a rubber tray to hold in the moisture. And once dry, grind the dry mushed kale. Your thoughts?

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

why add the moisture into it to start? Just blend it up, spread it out and dry it. I just prefer this way because it's more versatile to me.

[@u007foshay]

Thanks for replying! :) - I just thought a bit of water would work the kale around the blades a little better, providing a more thin/chopped kale. LOVE YOUR VIDEOS!@@ThePurposefulPantry

[@inkninja5837]

Thank you! 💚 Lovely presentation.

[@kennthtreadway3504]

How do add into a smoothie at a time

[@Colorworldzz]

How long does this last? (Sorry I'm new to the channel!) :)

[@dizziechef9502]

I made your veggie powder with all my mixed dehydrated veggies. I add it to everything. How would just blanching my kale , dry , season it put olive oil on. Mix and dehydrate it. How would that work ? One vlogger put oil on hers, did not steam or blanch. They did get crisp even with the oil on . I’ve never done the kale chips before but I might follow the recipe. Hope it turns out

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Don't put too much oil on as it can make them not crisp up, and don't plan on storing them- for snacking - but yes, they make great snacks! Be creative with your seasonings, too!

[@marvinbugarin1870]

Do you know if the nutrients change when dehydrated?

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/pKW9oWWmirynabc

[@CAMDEC1217]

Hi Darcy, I have a lot of frozen kale from my garden last year. Can I dehydrate frozen kale? Maybe it is too old and frozen does not work as well? I would not eat it as the leaves are huge, I am sure it is bitter and I am not a big fan of kale unless it is used in smoothies, soups or casseroles.

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Yep -

[@donnastormer9652]

If cooking breaks down with a tissue of the plant wouldn’t dehydration do the exact same thing and release what needs to be released?

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

No- the temps are not the same.

[@donnastormer9652]

@@ThePurposefulPantry thanks, I’m new to green powders and have grown extra kale , beet tops and will use broccoli leaves as well to dehydrate. Have you tried oven blanching kale? I do that with okra for freezing.

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

@@donnastormer9652 I don't bother blanching kale for dehydrating at all. They are used in cooking (which takes care of the oxalic acid issue then), or eating in something that they are fine for raw.

[@mushroombird9400]

Ugh! Kale, while dehydrating, smells like the dog had diarrhea somewhere in the house. I moved my dehydrator out into the garage, much to my woodworking husband’s chagrin. THEN, my kale came out crispy and delicious! So happy! THEN, I conditioned for a few days before opening a jar and checking them out. Not done. 15 hours and still not done. 🤪😫🥺😩. Separating leaves from stems and tossing them back in again. Not sure I will do kale again. Kale 1, Amy 0.

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Don't get discouraged. Stems can take longer - but they are worth it with the powder you get!

[@mushroombird9400]

@@ThePurposefulPantry Well, after 36 hours, and constant rain here in my part of the country, I gave up. 😫😫

[@tclodfelter8789]

Well THAT'S CERTAINLY GOOD to KNOW!! Guess I WON'T be dehydrating it after all!! LOL

[@cindypendleton7901]

Do you put in oxygen absorbers or moisture absorbers in your powdered foods?

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

If I need anything, a moisture absorber. There's no use in using an oxygen absorber at all since you shouldn't powder things for long-term storage - short term only. Store whole, powder as needed for a few months at a time for best results.

[@neogreen4457]

is it the same for organic kale?

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Sure - why would it be any different for organic?

[@fousies]

Salad spinner?

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

A device that spins salad to help remove the moisture after washing so that you don't store leaves wet. Works for a lot of things in the kitchen!

[@Goldenbudgetsavings2]

How about the oven because I don’t have a dehydrator

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

You can, but you have to be careful about the temp because you don't want to bake them. Keep it at the lowest possible temperature, keep the door cracked to allow heat and moisture to escape. If you're doing it for kale chips for snacking (seasoned), the temp is fine. But for making green powder, you really do need that low temp to hold the nutrients.

[@deMujer-a-Mujer]

I really it💕💕💕💕

[@lindajimmerson8542]

So do you removes the stems from spinach too?

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Nope depending on the variety. If it's a large woody stem, any variety of any green, remove it and dry it separately.

[@kennthtreadway3504]

How much do you add into a smoothie

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

However much you want. Depends on how much you are making. You'll have to experiment to see what works. It also does not give the bulk that fresh greens do, so think of it as an additive, not an ingredient.

[@frankhenderson2443]

You don’t have to blanch kale?

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Not for dehydrating, no. Read the post for the full reason: www.thepurposefulpantry.com/homemade-green-powder/

[@betterose9975]

Some foods will lose their great color if you don't blanch. So it's your choice. Try doing it both ways.

[@carmellacurry]

@@betterose9975 Thanks for the tip Bette. Which ones in particular? I have just ordered my Excalibur. So excited :)

[@stacyo1051]

So if I want to use this in smoothies I should blanch first?

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Personally, I wouldn't bother, Stacy. If i were eating them as kale chips, then yes, I would.

[@nancybotta4731]

I am really surprised you don't recommend organic vegetables. Why go to this effort to get good nutrition when you are concentrating all those chemicals into the final product.

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Because we all do the best we can, Nancy. You are welcome to use organic if you have that option.

[@nancybotta4731]

@@ThePurposefulPantry Well I enjoy your videos, Darcy. You do a good job. I'm just an organic fanatic.

[@BijouLover8]

No need to dehydrate....freeze them

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Why Waste freezer space, can't powder, it is a valid form of food preservation for anyone. And it makes kale useable in so much more than just as a grimy green in a dish.

[@billfrench9801]

you have bunnys?

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

We had yard bunnies, yes.

[@ceezee9179]

There is no way for me to add a new comment, and I just found your channel. If 16 cups raw is turned into 2.5 cups powder, how much powder would you need to eat to equal a "serving" of greens (say one cup). My brain cannot handle the math!