Let's talk about Kale!

Kale is the lightening rod of leafy greens. About 15 years ago it catapulted from relative obscurity to trendy superfood.

Did you know that before 2012, catering companies were the largest buyer of kale... to be used as a decoration around the actual food!

A PR agent, who just happened to like kale, invented a fake "American Kale Association" and developed a whole PR campaign that launched kale into popular culture.

Now Kale is very popular, and also the poster child for snarky comments about healthy eating.

People throw some SERIOUS shade at this poor vegetable!

Kale is one of the most nutritionally dense foods you can eat, and is referred to as a superfoodbecause it is packed with nutrients such as calcium, potassium, betacarotene, and other antioxidants.

Kale is at its tastiest and most tender in cold weather...the frost only makes it sweeter.

Kale is an incredibly versatile green in the kitchen, and can be eaten raw or cooked. Fully mature Kale is one of the few leafy greens that doesn’t shrink much when it’s cooked.

Love it or leaf it...what can you do with it?!

Kale is great in salads, soups, stews and even baked into Kale chips. Just be careful not to over-cook it, as it can develop a more bitter taste. Kale is also often added raw to smoothies, juices, and salads.

Show you care, give it a massage

One of the biggest complaints about kale is that it is too tough.

To tenderize your kale, gently rub the leaves between your hands until you notice it beginning to soften up...not too long...less than a minute. You don't want to over-work it and end up with mushy leaves.

Maybe you prefer your kale on the younger side?

Baby-leaf kale doesn't need a massage, as it is already tender, and usually has a milder flavor. Just rinse, toss it in dressing and serve!

This dressing will convince you to eat your greens!

Brian's garlicky tahini dressing is guaranteed to make you forget you are eating kale! Everyone who tries it comes back for more. Click the link to download the recipe file:

Kale Chips...guilt-free Crunchiness

Still not convinced that kale salads are in your future?

That's fair...different strokes for different folks! How about trying some baked kale chips? They are SUPER simple to make, you can spice them however you like, and they come out crispy, crunchy and still packed with healthy goodness.

Click to download the recipe file:

Not all kale is the same

There are many varieties of kale: Brazilian, Russian, Lucinato (aka Toscano or Dinosaur), Curly, Siberian, Chinese, Redbor, Premier, Baby, Walking Stick, Tronchuda Beira....

So you can't lump it all together! It varies widely in flavor and texture.

If you didn't like kale prepared a certain way....try another method.

If you didn't like curly kale...try dinosaur or baby leaf!

Kale is Dog-Approved

Our dog Remy is a serious lover of kale - especially the stems. (Pro-tip, remove the stems when you are eating kale.)

For years our other dog turned her nose up, she had seen all of the memes on facebook, but Remy's good example has finally convinced her to adopt some healthier habits!

One caveat: our dogs don't dig on grocery store kale. Honest-to-goodness they will turn their noses up. The nose knows!

So, you can no longer say that even a dog wouldn't eat kale!

Cheers,

Jennifer and Brian

P.S. Only 12 spots are left in our Veggie CSA! If signing up is on your to-do list...don't delay! Click the link to find out more and sign up: