Kale
Hardy, nutrient-dense leafy greens that thrive in cool weather and get sweeter after frost
Storage
Store unwashed in a plastic bag in the crisper drawer - it'll keep for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, wash thoroughly, dry completely, and freeze in portions. Pro tip: blanch before freezing to preserve color and nutrients.
Shelf Life
10-14 days fresh, often longer than grocery store kale since we harvest it the same day you pick it up.
Flavor & Texture
Raw kale is earthy with a slight bitterness that mellows beautifully when cooked. Curly kale has more texture and bite, while lacinato (dinosaur) kale is more tender with a silky feel. Both varieties become sweet and nutty when sautéed or roasted.
Prep Tips
The key to great kale is removing those thick stems - fold each leaf in half and strip the stem away with your fingers. For raw salads, massage torn leaves with a pinch of salt and olive oil or lemon juice for 2-3 minutes until they soften and turn darker green. This breaks down the tough fibers and makes it much more pleasant to eat. Baby kale is tender enough to use whole.
How to Use It
- Massage with salt and oil for raw salads
- Sauté with garlic and olive oil until wilted
- Roast at high heat until edges are crispy
- Add to soups and stews in the last few minutes
- Blend into smoothies (start with baby kale)
- Make kale chips by baking with oil and salt
- Stir into pasta dishes or grain bowls
- Steam lightly and dress with lemon
Tastes Great With
garlic, lemon, olive oil, pine nuts, dried cranberries, apples, bacon, white beans, chickpeas, potatoes, onions, ginger, parmesan, feta, walnuts
Watch Out For
Summer kale can be tougher and more bitter than spring and fall crops due to heat stress. These leaves are best cooked rather than eaten raw - sautéing or roasting brings out their sweetness. Small holes from flea beetles are purely cosmetic and don't affect taste or quality.
Fun Fact
Kale was the most common green vegetable in Europe until the Middle Ages when cabbage became more popular. During WWII, Britain's 'Dig for Victory' campaign promoted kale as an easy-to-grow superfood that could survive harsh winters when other vegetables failed.