Some Common Types Of Kale That You Must Try

Table of Contents

Curly Kale
Japanese flowering Kale
Winterbor Kale
Lacinato Kale
Red Russian Kale
Chinese Kale
Darkibo Kale

Kale, a member of the cruciferous vegetable family, including broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, Asian greens, and others, is a highly nutritious and versatile vegetable known for its kale benefits. With diverse colors and types, this article will delve into five variations of kale, providing detailed insights on how to maximize the advantages of each.

Curly Kale

Curly Kale is a type of deep green Kale that is usually cooked instead of chopped and added to salads. Most groceries carry Curly Kale, which is great for making Kale chips, but most people do not usually add this somewhat bitter Kale to salads because it can be challenging to chop. Almost all Kale recipes work well with this readily available Kale.

Japanese flowering Kale

With green outer leaves and a fuschia center, it resembles a rosette. Its visual appeal is enhanced by the frilly leaves. While its highly aesthetic appearance could categorize it as ornamental kale, this specific type is often consumed raw, distinguishing it from most ornamental kale varieties. In Japan, it goes by the name Habotan and, akin to most ornamental Kales, is employed to add vibrant hues to gardens.

Winterbor Kale

Winterbor Kale, a curly variety widely available in grocery stores, is distinguished by its blue-green leaves adorned with heavily ruffled edges. Particularly favored in The Netherlands, this Kale is often boiled, chopped, and blended into mashed potatoes, serving as a delectable accompaniment to smoked sausage.

Lacinato Kale

Lacinato also recognized as Nero di Toscana or Dinosaur Kale, stands out as a more tender alternative compared to most Kale varieties, exhibiting less curly foliage. Its tender leaves make it an excellent choice for raw inclusion in salads, requiring less massaging than some other Kale varieties. As the names imply, this Kale has its roots in Italy, where it enjoys popularity. While it serves admirably in salads, Lacinato Kale also stands up well to cooking, resisting the tendency to become mushy, unlike some other leafy greens. Unlike many of the Kale varieties discussed in this post that are noted for their cold resistance, Lacinato is distinguished as a heat-resistant variety.

Red Russian Kale

Red Russian, a variety of Russian Kale, is characterized by its sweetness and tenderness. Contrary to its name, Red Russian Kale exhibits a slate-green hue with dark purplish stems. Its cold-hardy nature renders it a preferred choice among both commercial and backyard farmers in colder climates. When its leaves are small and young, it is referred to as “baby leaf” Kale and is primarily consumed in this form, offering a particularly delightful taste when enjoyed raw in salads. Generally, Red Russian Kale is not a good choice for high-temperature processing.

Read more: Is Kale Safe For Your Baby?

Chinese Kale

Chinese Kale shares a visual likeness with broccoli, and its stems are commonly prepared similarly to broccoli stems. Ideal for stir-frying or simply sautéing, this variety, also known as Gai Lan or Chinese broccoli, adds a slightly bitter yet flavorful touch to various Chinese dishes. Incorporate it into stir-fry recipes or other Chinese cuisines, pairing it with sweetened sauces to balance out its inherent bitterness.

Darkibo Kale

Darkibor, characterized by its deeply curled and dark green leaves, is a variant of curly Kale. The well-formed Kale chips are a testament to the curled nature of its leaves. When harvested early as baby Kale, Darkibor is suitable for salads; however, for mature leaves, it is recommended to be cooked.

With its nutritional benefits and adaptability, Kale proves that healthy eating can be both delicious and diverse. Embarking on a journey to enhance your long-term health can begin with the exploration of some common types of Kale mentioned earlier. You should consider experimenting with these options as a flavorful and nutritious addition to your diet.