The best way to store collard greens depends on how you plan to use them and how long you want to keep them. Here are some general tips for storing collard greens:

• If you want to store a whole bunch of collard greens, do not wash them until you are ready to use them. Excess moisture can cause the collard greens to spoil faster. Wrap the collard greens in a layer of paper towels and place them in a zip-top plastic bag or a hard-sided storage container. Store them in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator for up to a week. The stems should face the back of the fridge, where the air is colder.
• If you want to store washed and prepped collard greens, make sure to dry them well with a salad spinner or paper towels. You can stem, slice, or tear the collard greens leaves as you prefer. Wrap the collard greens in a paper towel and place them in a zip-top plastic bag or a hard-sided storage container. Store them in the refrigerator for up to three days.

• Freezing: Collards freeze beautifully and result in very soft & tender leaves. If you want to freeze collard greens for smoothies, soups, stews, or other dishes, you need to blanch them first. This means boiling the collard greens leaves for a few minutes and then cooling them in ice water. This will preserve the color, flavor, and nutrients of the collard greens. Dry the blanched collard greens thoroughly and freeze them flat on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer the collard greens to a freezer bag and store them in the freezer for up to six months.
• Pickling: Both the leaves and stems can each be pickled. Both will need to be blanched first.
• Canning: Sturdy collard leaves hold up well in the canning process. As will all low-acid foods, you'll need to use a pressure canner.
• Dehydrating: Just like kale, collards can be dehydrated to make crispy, healthy chips. They're great when seasoned with some garlic, chili powder, or smoked paprika.

• Boiling and steaming: These are the simplest and quickest ways to cook collard greens. Just bring a pot of water to a boil, add some salt, and cook the collard greens for about 20 minutes until tender. Alternatively, you can steam the collard greens in a steamer basket over boiling water for the same amount of time. Boiling and steaming collard greens can help retain their nutrients and color, but it can also dilute their flavor. To enhance the taste, you can add some lemon juice, vinegar, or herbs to the water or drizzle some olive oil or butter over the cooked collard greens.
• Sautéing and stir-frying: These are the best ways to cook collard greens if you want to add some flavor and texture. Heat some oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat, add some garlic, onion, or other aromatics, and cook for a few minutes until fragrant. Then, add the collard greens and some salt, pepper, and other seasonings, and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until the collard greens are wilted and crisp. You can also add some water, broth, wine, or soy sauce to the skillet to create some sauce and prevent the collard greens from burning. Sautéing and stir-frying collard greens can bring out their natural sweetness and crispiness, as well as infuse them with other flavors.
• Braising and simmering: These are the traditional ways to cook collard greens in Southern cuisine. They involve cooking the collard greens slowly in a liquid, usually with some smoked or salted meat, such as ham hocks, bacon, or turkey wings. This method gives the collard greens a rich and smoky flavor, as well as a soft and silky texture. To braise or simmer collard greens, you need to heat some oil in a large pot over medium-high heat, add some meat and onion, and cook until browned. Then, add the collard greens, some water or broth, and some vinegar, sugar, and spices. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about an hour, or until the collard greens are very tender. You can adjust the seasoning and liquid level to your liking.

Collard greens have a strong and distinctive flavor that can pair well with many other ingredients. Here are some of the best flavor pairings for collard greens:

• Beans: Beans are a great source of plant-based protein and fiber that can complement the collard greens. They can also add some creaminess and heartiness to the dish. You can use any kind of beans, such as black-eyed peas, kidney beans, navy beans, or cannellini beans. You can cook the beans with the collard greens in a pot of water or broth, or add them to the collard greens after they are cooked.
• Lemon: The acidity and freshness of lemon can balance the bitterness and earthiness of collard greens. You can squeeze some lemon juice over cooked or raw collard greens, or make a lemon dressing with lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper.
• Garlic: The pungency and aroma of garlic can complement the flavor and texture of collard greens. You can sauté some garlic with collard greens, or roast some garlic cloves and mash them with collard greens for a creamy and savory side dish.
• Onion: The sweetness and crunch of onion can contrast the bitterness and chewiness of collard greens. You can chop some onion and add it to collard greens salads, soups, or stir-fries, or caramelize some onion slices and serve them with collard greens for a rich and sweet topping.
• Cheese: The creaminess and richness of cheese can soften the texture and flavor of collard greens. You can add some cheese, cream, yogurt, or milk to the collard greens, or make a cheesy sauce with butter, flour, and cheese. Cheese also adds some calcium and protein to the collard greens, which are important for your bones and muscles. Some of the best cheeses to pair with collard greens are goat cheese, blue cheese, white cheddar, gruyere, and parmesan.
• Spices: Spices can add some heat and flavor to the collard greens. They can help balance the bitterness and earthiness of the collard greens. Some of the best spices to pair with collard greens are cayenne, red pepper flakes, mustard, and black peppercorns. You can add the spices to the cooking liquid or sprinkle them over the collard greens after they are cooked. Spices and collard greens are a spicy and tasty pairing that can enhance any dish.
• Pork products: Ham, bacon, or sausage can add some smokiness and saltiness to the collard greens. They  also add some fat and protein to the dish, making it more filling and satisfying. You can cook the pork products with the collard greens in a pot of water or broth, or serve them with the collard greens after they are cooked. This is a traditional and delicious pairing that can be enjoyed in many ways, such as salads, soups, sandwiches, or casseroles.