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A pile of kale close up.

Kale

Quick Facts

Vegetable Type: Cruciferous
Scientific Name: Brassica oleracea var. sabellica
Seasonality: Fall through winter
Nutrients: Calcium, lutein, zeaxanthin, potassium, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K
Flavor: Earthy & bitter
Complementary Flavors: Tomatoes or lemon
Quick Cooking Tip: After washing, massage kale for about 30 seconds to improve its taste and texture.
Cost: $$*
*from least expensive ($) to most expensive ($$$$)

Women shopping at the farmer's market for kale.

Kale Benefits and Culinary Tips

Here’s what you may not have known about kale and some delicious ways to enjoy it.

FULL ARTICLE

Kale Recipes

Pair kale with various ingredients and flavor profiles for the perfect dish!
Kale on a wooden cutting board with a knife.

Health Benefits

  • Activates detoxification enzymes in the liver, helping to breakdown and eliminate toxins.
  • Improves bowel movements due to high insoluble fiber contents.
  • Can lower the risk of hypercholesterolemia by helping excretion of bile acids.
  • High sulforaphane levels help support the liver to neutralize harmful substances.
  • May reduce risk of macular degeneration due to lutein and zeaxanthin content.

Making Kale Kid-Friendly

Throw a handful of chopped kale in your kid’s breakfast smoothie for a boost of nutrients without sacrificing the taste.

Easy Kale Chips recipe: Baked Kale Chips in a bowl on a table

On the Move

Make a batch of spiced kale chips at the start of the week for a simple, crunchy snack you can take anywhere.

FULL RECIPE

Make the Most of Leftovers

Store any extra unwashed kale loosely in a paper towel, then place it in a bag in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to seven days.

Resources

The information above was compiled with help from the following sources.
Isabella Mead Headshot

Isabella Mead

Assistant Project Manager,
The Paleo Diet

USDA logo

USDA

Online Resource

Current Pharmacology Reports logo.

Current Pharmacology Reports

Scientific Article

Frontiers in Nutrition Logo.

Frontiers in Nutrition

Scientific Journal

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Nutrients

Scientific Journal

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