If you have never tried kale don’t be intimidated by this leafy green. Learn why eating kale is one of the healthiest things you can do for your body when it comes to eating vegetables. We will explore what kale is what does kale taste like, and the health benefits of eating this green superfood.
What does kale taste like? Kale has a very strong and earthy taste. It doesn’t have a spicy though. kale can be bitter and strong and to be honest eating kale raw is not for everyone. Kale doesn’t taste great straight away. Don’t worry we will show how to turn kale into a great-tasting green that you can keep eating.
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What is Kale?
Kale belongs to the cabbage group. Kale is sometimes referred to as the leaf cabbage because of its edible leaves. Kale either has green or purple leaves. A unique feature about kale is it does not form a center head. Kale is fantastic food and great anti-inflammatory food. One cup of kale gives you 10 percent of the RDA of omega-3 fatty acids.
What texture does kale have?
Kale has a somewhat chewy texture but the leaves are also tender. The taste as we explained above is somewhat bitter with a little peppery flavor.
What are the different types of kale?
There are a few different types of kale and we explain below what types of kale you can get. Below are the most common types of kale.
Curly kale is the most common type of kale and it has a peppery taste with a little bitter taste. Like all kales, they are packed with vitamins and fiber.
Red kale (Red Russian) is almost identical to that of curly kale except for how it looks. Red kale can have red stems and leaves.
Lacinato kale (Tuscan or Dinosaur kale) is a variety of kale that has been used for cooking in Italian dishes for a long time especially in the region of Tuscany.
Redbor kale is a type of kale that has a deep purple and has the same nutrients as all the other types of kale.
Can the season that kale bis are grown in effect taste?
Yes. In warmer climates, kale is typically seeded in the late summer or early fall time and in some instances spring. However, a winter crop of kale that is planted in warmer climes typically are sweeter in terms of taste than a summer crop.
How to pick the best kale?
When going to your local grocer and you are looking for kale here are a few things to remember to try and pick the best kale for the best freshest taste.
Try and choose smaller-leaved kale for their tenderness and mild flavor This is especially true for those of us that are looking to eat kale raw and not cooked.
As we stated before cooked kale will lose some of its bitterness and when paired with garlic and oil the taste is great.
Look for kale that is unwilted and crip with no blemishes or tiny holes. If it looks damaged don’t purchase it. Any yellow or brown leaves will indicate kale that is going past its peak time and should not be purchased
Kale nutrition
For those of you who know about kale you already are aware of what superfood kale is. For those who don’t, we are here to tell you that Kale is a rock star when it comes to nutrient-dense foods. In-fact kale is one of the healthiest greens you can eat.
A 2.4 ounce of kale or around a single cup of raw kale contains:
- Vitamin K: 684% of the DV
- Vitamin A: 206% of the DV
- Vitamin C: 134% of the DV
- Vitamin B6: 9% of the DV
- Calcium: 9% of the D
- Manganese: 26% of the DV
- Potassium: 9% of the DV
- Copper: 10% of the DV
Kale contains a very low amount of fat and a large part of that fat is an omega-3 fatty acid that is called alpha-linolenic acid.
This is all with a total of 6 grams of carbs and 33 calories making kale one of the most nutrient-packed and dense foods you can eat.
How to cook kale for the best taste?
Young kale can be eaten raw like a salad. A lot of people will add this to other types of lettuce or eat it on its own with garlic, oil, and some salt and pepper. While there can be a bitter taste associated with kale younger kale can have a more mild flavor than older kale leaves.
Saute with garlic and oil
Sauteeing kale with garlic and oil can give kale a great taste while muting the bitter taste that some do not like.
Simply take a medium size pan and add a tablespoon or so of olive oil. Add in a few cloves of garlic and then the kale. Add a little salt to taste and cook until a little tender. Move the kale around with a tong until everything is covered and cooked evenly. Enjoy.
Kale to sandwiches
Substitute traditional lettuce with kale. The taste of kale can compliment all types of sandwiches and give them a healthier kick than lettuce.
Put it in smoothies
Adding kale to a smoothie is an excellent way to get the nutrients while masking some of the flavors you would get when eating kale. Mixing apples, kale, carrots, and other veggies to a smoothie works well.
Our thoughts on the taste of kale
Kale’s taste may be somewhat harsh for the first time person who tries to eat this superfood. With that said there are things to do to minimize the bitterness like buying young kale and cooking it slightly to mute the harsher flavors.
With that said there are too many positives to this super-food not to eat it. While we can’t tell kale is perfect in terms of taste you should add it to your diet for the pure benefits it will supply your body with.
