8

My ideal for kale chips would be to have the kale remain as green as possible, be crispy, but not have a burnt flavor.

In kale chip recipes around the internet, the cooking temperature varies wildly, from 220F to 420F.

How do these different baking temperature affect kale chips?

1 Answer 1

7

With kale crisps you are ideally trying to dehydrate instead of baking. This saves the chlorphyll from degradation. Depending on your green/veg chlorophyll starts to degrade between 100F-185F (40C-85C). Now, 220F-240F (100C-120C) is as low as most domestic ovens go. However, if you are able to use a lower temprature, that would give you a greener result and a cleaner flavour. But it will take longer to crisp as you lower the temprature. Using a dehydrator would be ideal, running at around 140F (60C). Think of dryed fruit, herbs or even tomatoes, they are almost never baked, but rather dehydrated. You'll also find that commercial kale crisps use a very low temprature and they are promoted by it as it keeps nutrients intact and preserves chlorophyll.

A tip if you have to use your oven, keep checking and take them out before they crisp up completely. As they cool, the residual heat will dehydrate them a touch more.

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge you have read our privacy policy.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.