TheHerbProf.com is a treasure trove of knowledge for those interested in natural healing and herbal remedies. The website is run by Paul Johnston MD. A naturopathic who has not only received extensive education in the field but also has personal experience in self-healing.
When it comes to healthy eating, kale is often touted as a superfood. With its impressive nutrient profile and versatility in the kitchen, it’s no wonder that kale has become a popular vegetable in recent years.
However, with so many different varieties of kale available, it can be difficult to know which one to choose.
As someone who is passionate about health and wellness, I have done my fair share of research on the best kind of kale. After careful consideration and analysis, I have come to the conclusion that the best kind of kale is the one that suits your taste buds and dietary needs.
While all types of kale are packed with nutrients, some varieties may be better suited for certain dishes or preparations.
In this article, I will explore the different types of kale and their unique characteristics, so that you can make an informed decision on which variety to choose.
Types of Kale
As a kale enthusiast, I have tried many varieties of this leafy green vegetable. Here are some of the most common and delicious types of kale that you should try:
Curly Kale
Curly kale is the most common variety of kale and has a wavy, curly edge on each leaf. It has a slightly bitter taste and is perfect for making kale chips or adding to soups and stews.
Curly kale is also a great source of vitamin K, vitamin C, and fiber.
Lacinato Kale
Lacinato kale, also known as dinosaur kale, has a long, narrow, dark green leaf with a bumpy texture. It has a slightly sweeter taste than curly kale and is perfect for making salads or adding to smoothies.
Lacinato kale is also a great source of vitamin A, vitamin C, and calcium.
Red Russian Kale
Red Russian kale has a mild nutty flavor that is slightly sweet and earthy with a hearty texture. It has a red stem and a flat, frilly leaf with a green color.
Red Russian kale is perfect for making sautés, stir-fries, and soups. This variety is also a great source of vitamin K, vitamin A, and vitamin C.
Siberian Kale
Siberian kale has hardy white stems that run from the base of the root through the leaves. It has a slightly bitter taste and is perfect for making kale chips or adding to soups and stews.
Siberian kale is also a great source of vitamin C, vitamin A, and calcium.
Redbor Kale
Redbor kale has a deep red-purple color and has a slightly sweet taste. It is perfect for making salads or adding to smoothies.
Redbor kale is also a great source of vitamin K, vitamin C, and fiber.
Chinese Kale
Chinese kale, also known as Chinese broccoli or Gai Lan, has long, thin stems with an abundance of glossy, small, round leaves that are held firmly on the stem. It has a mild, slightly sweet taste and is perfect for stir-fries and soups.
Chinese kale is also a great source of vitamin A, vitamin C, and calcium.
Ornamental Kale
Ornamental kale is a colorful variety of kale that is often used for decorative purposes. It has a range of colors, including purple, pink, white, and green, and is perfect for adding color to your garden or table.
Ornamental kale is also edible and can be used in salads or as a garnish.
Nutritional Profile
Kale is an incredibly nutritious vegetable that is packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients. In this section, I will discuss the nutritional profile of kale, including its vitamin and mineral content as well as its antioxidant properties.
Vitamins and Minerals
Kale is a great source of several essential vitamins and minerals.
One cup of raw kale contains about 33 calories and provides more than 100% of the daily recommended intake of vitamins A, C, and K.
It also contains a significant amount of calcium, potassium, and iron.
Kale is also high in fiber, which is important for maintaining healthy digestion and preventing constipation.
Antioxidant Properties
Kale is known for its powerful antioxidant properties.
It contains several compounds that help protect against oxidative damage caused by free radicals. These compounds include beta-carotene, vitamin C, and quercetin.
Antioxidants are important for maintaining overall health and reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and Alzheimer’s disease.
Culinary Uses
Kale is a versatile and nutritious leafy green that can be used in a variety of dishes. In this section, I will discuss the different ways you can prepare kale and highlight its culinary uses.
Raw Preparations
Kale is a popular ingredient in salads and can be enjoyed raw.
When using kale in salads, it is important to massage the leaves with a bit of olive oil to help break down the tough fibers and make it easier to digest.
I like to use Lacinato kale, also known as Dinosaur kale, for salads because it has a sweeter and more delicate flavor than other varieties.
You can also use curly kale or Red Russian kale for salads, but they have a stronger flavor and may require more massaging.
Cooked Dishes
Kale is also a great addition to cooked dishes such as soups, stews, and pasta.
It pairs well with other hearty ingredients like beans, potatoes, and sausage.
When cooking kale, it is important not to overcook it as it can become mushy and lose its nutritional value.
I like to sauté kale with garlic and lemon juice for a simple and flavorful side dish.
You can also roast kale with olive oil and sea salt for a crispy and healthy snack.
Kale in Smoothies
Kale is a popular ingredient in smoothies because of its high nutritional value.
When using kale in smoothies, it is important to remove the tough stems and blend it with other ingredients like fruit, yogurt, and milk.
I like to use Lacinato kale in my smoothies because it has a milder flavor than other varieties.
You can also use curly kale or Red Russian kale, but they have a stronger flavor and may require more sweeteners like honey or maple syrup.
Growing Kale
Kale is an easy-to-grow vegetable that can be grown from seeds or transplants. It is a cool-weather crop that can be planted in the spring or fall.
Kale grows best in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained, fertile soil.
Planting and Care
To plant kale, prepare the soil by adding compost or organic matter. Sow the seeds ¼ to ½ inch deep and 12 to 18 inches apart.
Thin the seedlings to 8 to 12 inches apart when they are 2 to 3 inches tall. Water the plants regularly, especially during dry spells.
Kale is a heavy feeder and benefits from regular applications of fertilizer. A balanced fertilizer with a ratio of 10-10-10 is ideal. Apply fertilizer every 4 to 6 weeks during the growing season.
Harvesting Tips
Kale can be harvested when the leaves are young and tender or when the plant has matured.
Baby leaves can be harvested when they are 2 to 3 inches long. Mature plants can be harvested when they are 8 to 10 inches tall.
To harvest kale, cut the leaves with a sharp knife or shears. Leave at least 2 inches of stem on the plant to encourage new growth.
Kale can be harvested throughout the growing season, but it is best to harvest before the first frost.
Kale Varieties by Season
As a kale enthusiast, I have grown and tasted many varieties of kale over the years. I have found that different varieties of kale thrive in different seasons. In this section, I will discuss the best kale varieties for each season.
Spring and Summer Varieties
During the warmer months, kale varieties that are more heat-tolerant and have a milder flavor are preferred.
One of my favorite varieties for spring and summer is the White Russian kale. It has a slightly sweet and earthy flavor and is perfect for salads or smoothies.
Another great variety for the warmer months is the Walking Stick kale. It has a unique appearance, with tall, thin stalks that resemble walking sticks. This variety is more tender and has a milder flavor than other kales.
Fall and Winter Varieties
In the cooler months, kale varieties that are hardy and can withstand frost are preferred.
Winterbor is one of the most popular varieties for fall and winter. It has a curly, dark green leaf that is perfect for making kale chips or sautéing.
Dazzling Blue kale is another great variety for the colder months. It has a beautiful blue-green color and a slightly sweeter flavor than other kales.
Selecting and Storing Kale
As an avid kale eater, I know that selecting and storing kale is crucial to getting the best taste and texture out of this leafy green. Here are some tips on how to choose and store kale.
Choosing Fresh Kale
When selecting kale at the grocery store, look for kale with firm, dark green, and crisp leaves.
Avoid kale with yellow or brown patches or leaves that are wilted or slimy.
If you’re buying kale with mature leaves, look for leaves that are smaller in size as they tend to be less tough and fibrous. On the other hand, baby kale is more tender and milder in flavor.
Storage Techniques
Once you’ve brought your kale home, it’s important to store it properly to keep it fresh.
First, remove any rubber bands or twist ties that came with the kale, as they can trap moisture and cause the leaves to wilt.
If the kale is dirty, wash it gently in cold water and pat it dry with a clean towel.
There are several storage techniques you can use to keep your kale fresh.
One method is to wrap the kale in a damp paper towel and store it in a plastic bag in the refrigerator.
Another method is to store the kale in an airtight container with a lid.
If you’re storing kale in a container, make sure to add a few drops of olive oil to the leaves to help keep them moist.
It’s also important to store kale in a cool, dark place.
Kale prefers shade and can wilt quickly if exposed to direct sunlight or heat.
The crisper drawer of your refrigerator is the best place to store kale, as it has a higher humidity level than the rest of the fridge.
Kale in Different Cultures
Kale is a versatile vegetable that is used in various cuisines around the world. In this section, I will explore some traditional kale dishes from different cultures.
Traditional Kale Dishes
Portuguese Kale Soup
Portuguese kale soup, also known as Caldo Verde, is a traditional soup made with Portuguese kale, also known as Galician cabbage or Tronchuda cabbage.
This soup is made with potatoes, onions, garlic, chouriço (a type of sausage), and kale.
The kale is added at the end of the cooking process to preserve its flavor and texture. This soup is hearty and comforting, perfect for cold winter days.
Gai Lan Stir Fry
Gai lan, also known as Chinese broccoli, is a leafy green vegetable that is commonly used in Chinese cuisine.
Chinese broccoli is similar to kale in taste and texture, but it has a slightly bitter flavor.
Gai lan is often stir-fried with garlic and oyster sauce. This dish is simple and easy to make, and it is a great way to add some greens to your meal.
Brassica Oleracea Salad
Brassica oleracea is a species of plant that includes many different vegetables, including kale, cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower.
In some cultures, these vegetables are eaten raw in salads.
For example, in Italy, kale is often used in a salad called Insalata di Cavolo Nero.
This salad is made with kale, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese. It is a fresh and flavorful way to enjoy kale.
Brassica Napus Smoothie
Brassica napus, also known as rapeseed, is a plant that is commonly used to make canola oil. However, the leaves of this plant can also be eaten.
In some cultures, rapeseed leaves are used to make smoothies.
These smoothies are made with rapeseed leaves, fruit, and yogurt or milk. They are a healthy and refreshing way to enjoy kale.
Best Kind of Kale and TheHerbProf.com: A Leafy Love Affair
Kale! It’s a superfood that’s taken the world by storm. But how does it connect with theherbprof.com? Let’s chew on that!
On theherbprof.com, you’ll find tips and tricks for growing and using the best kind of kale. It’s like having a personal kale connoisseur at your fingertips! But how does this tie in with kale, you ask?
Imagine this. You’ve got a garden full of kale. It’s lush and leafy, but you’re not sure which variety is the best. You stumble upon theherbprof.com and find a guide on the best kind of kale. Suddenly, your kale garden is a gourmet delight!
But the fun doesn’t stop there. You can share your kale success story on theherbprof.com, helping others in the community with similar kale quandaries. It’s a win-win situation!
So, whether you’re a kale enthusiast or just curious about this leafy green, theherbprof.com is your one-stop-shop. And remember, every kale leaf is an opportunity to learn and grow.
References – Best Kind of Kale
Little Herb Encyclopedia, by Jack Ritchason; N.D., Woodland Publishing Incorporated, 1995
The Ultimate Healing System, Course Manual, Copyright 1985, Don Lepore
Planetary Herbology, Michael Tierra, C.A., N.D., Lotus Press, 1988
Handbook of Medicinal Herbs, by James A. Duke, Pub. CRP Second Edition 2007
The Complete Medicinal Herbal, by Penelope Ody, Published by Dorling Kindersley
Check the Following Articles!
Beets The Vegetable That Packs a Nutritious Punch
Garlic Cure: The Benefits for Health and Wellness
Caffeine in Coffee Grounds: Content & Effects
Ant Hill Home Remedy: Let Me Show You How To Do It!
Frequently Asked Questions – Best Kind of Kale
What are the most nutrient-dense varieties of kale?
All kale varieties are packed with nutrients, but some are more nutrient-dense than others.
For example, Lacinato kale, also known as dinosaur kale, is a great source of vitamin K, vitamin A, and vitamin C.
Red Russian kale is also high in vitamin A and vitamin C, as well as iron and calcium.
Curly kale, the most common variety, is rich in vitamin K, vitamin C, and beta-carotene.
Which variety of kale is best suited for growing at home?
Kale is a hardy plant that can grow in a variety of conditions, but some varieties are better suited for home gardens than others.
Dwarf Blue Curled kale is a compact variety that is easy to grow in containers or small spaces.
Redbor kale is also a good choice for home gardens because it is resistant to pests and disease.
What is the sweetest tasting kale variety available?
Kale is known for its slightly bitter taste, but some varieties are sweeter than others.
One of the sweetest varieties is Redbor kale, which has a slightly nutty flavor. Russian kale is also relatively sweet and has a delicate flavor.
How do different kale varieties compare in terms of texture and tenderness?
Kale varieties can vary in texture and tenderness.
Curly kale has a tough, fibrous stem and a slightly chewy texture.
Lacinato kale, on the other hand, has a more tender texture and is easier to chew.
Red Russian kale is also relatively tender and has a delicate texture.
Can you recommend a kale type that is particularly good for salads?
Many kale varieties are great for salads, but some are better suited than others.
Baby kale, which is harvested when the leaves are young and tender, is perfect for salads.
Red Russian kale and Lacinato kale are also good choices because they have a more delicate texture than curly kale.
What are the visual differences between popular kale types?
Kale comes in many different colors and shapes.
Curly kale has frilly leaves with a deep green color.
Lacinato kale, also known as dinosaur kale, has long, narrow leaves with a blue-green color.
Red Russian kale has flat, frilly leaves with a reddish-purple color.
Redbor kale has curly, ruffled leaves with a deep purple color.
