Kale is a dark, leafy green that you can eat cooked or raw. You can use it in salads, smoothies, soups and stews, and so much more. There are three main types of kale: curly kale, black kale, and red kale. Curly kale features bright green leaves and is also known as Scotch or green kale. Black kale, also known as Tuscan or dinosaur kale, has elongated bluish-green leaves with a crinkled texture. Red kale features purple stems and frilly leaves and is also called Russian kale. You can easily grow kale in a home garden in pots, raised garden beds, or right in the ground in areas with plenty of sunlight.
Kale is one of the healthiest foods on the planet. It contains vitamin A to help improve eye and bone health, vitamin C to boost the immune system, and vitamin K for healthy bones. It also contains high amounts of folate, a B vitamin that’s important in brain development. Kale also contains many plant compounds that provide numerous health benefits, such as lutein and zeaxanthin which help protect against macular degeneration and cataracts.
To get the most out of this superfood, you can eat it just as is. Or, toss the leaves of this delicious fresh produce in the blender with some fresh fruit for a delicious smoothie. You can also chop it up and use it for a variety of meals and dishes. Read on for more on how to cut kale.
How to Pick the Best Bunch of Kale
When buying a bunch of kale, there are a few things you need to keep an eye out for. Choose dark green-colored bunches with springy leaves that are not wilted or brown. If you see leaves that have wilted or turned brown, choose a different bunch. You want leaves that appear springy and curled at the ends. Also, check for tears or cut pieces because kale rots more quickly once it’s been cut.
For a delicious sweet take on kale, consider our Kale Komfort Smoothie. It’s made with a blend of kale, pineapple, honeydew, and freshly squeezed orange juice. Or, check out our Create Your Own Fruit Box. It comes with your choice of bananas, Granny Smith apples, a bunch of grapes, oranges, or a bunch of kale in whatever combination you desire.
How to Cut Kale
Cutting kale is relatively easy and requires just a few simple steps. You will need a sharp knife and a cutting board. Here’s how to cut kale and other leafy green veggies:
- Rinse the raw kale in cool tap water. Be sure to rinse thoroughly to remove all excess dirt and bacteria that may have remained on the kale. Blot the kale dry with a paper towel.
- First, you can remove the stem from the leaves. To do this, fold the leaves over to one side. This will leave the stem exposed all the way up the leaf. Slice off the kale stem by running a knife along the side of the stem and removing it from the leaves. You can eat this stem (it’s actually the sweetest part of the kale), but you’re better off removing it when you’re looking for tender kale to add to salads or soups.
- Now, you can chop up the leaves. Keep the leaves folded over and make slices across the leaves. Then, make slices in the opposite direction. This will result in tiny squares of kale you can use in many different ways. You can chop the kale leaves larger or smaller depending upon how you want to use them. Keep them larger if you plan on cooking the kale as it will wilt in the heat. Make the cuts smaller if you plan on eating it raw in a salad.
How Long Will Cut Kale Last?
Whole, uncut kale stays fresh in the refrigerator for about a week. Once cut up, kale tends to rot more quickly. Use it within three to four days for the freshest flavor. Be sure to seal it in a food storage bag or container for the best results. You can also freeze kale for a longer shelf life. You can just freeze whole kale leaves as-is to add to smoothies. Or, cut it up first and flash freeze. Place the cut-up kale in a single layer on a cookie sheet and freeze until just frozen. Then, transfer to a freezer bag and keep frozen for up to six months.
Kale makes a wonderful addition to any diet. It takes just a little know-how to cut it properly, and you can use it for a variety of recipes. Whether adding to a dish, mixing into a fresh fruit smoothie, or adding to a salad, you’re sure to enjoy this delicious leafy vegetable.
