Super Star, Super Food, Super Kale...

 Here’s what the nutritional world is saying about Kale:

“Kale is King!”

“Kale is one of the healthiest vegetables on the planet.”

“Kale is being called “the new beef”, “the queen of greens” and “a nutritional powerhouse.”

So what is the big deal with kale?  Let’s find out, shall we?

Interestingly enough, it seems that kale is grown throughout the world.  Towns in Germany, for example, even have tours of the kale growing areas.  The plant has been around for 100’s of years and many people have relied on it for its nutritional benefits.  Wikipedia says:  During WWII, the cultivation of kale in the UK was encouraged by the Dig for Victory campaign. The vegetable was easy to grow and provided important nutrients to supplement those missing from a normal diet because of rationing.

Kale is considered a super food.  That means that there is so much nutritional goodness packed in this green, leafy vegetable that it is a super power in the food world. Kale is a green that is found in most grocery stores and in all food co-ops. 

Kale should be firm, with dark green leaves.  If the leaves have lightened or turned yellow, the vegetable is old and this will likely affect the flavor.  Small leaves will indicate a more tender plant with a milder flavor.  While you can find kale year round, the peak season of kale is the middle winter through the beginning of spring.

If Popeye had eaten kale, would he be even stronger?  All indications say yes.  (WTFoods.com) If spinach and kale were in a contest, kale would win because it has 10 times more Vitamin C than spinach and more Vitamin A & K.  Kale also contains more lutein, an antioxidant that works to keep your eyes healthy.  Even spinach can’t match the power of kale.  Popeye would still be strong, and his eye-sight might have improved!

Now don’t get upset with us, because the truth is we love spinach, and we watched Popeye as children.  However, we do think that sometimes we get caught up in the routine of some foods and we need to look at how we can add to our food experience.  Of late, we have introduced kale to our recipe repertoire.  

Here is an example of how to make kale as a snack:

Kale Chips

Ingredients:

1 head kale, washed and thoroughly dried

2 Tablespoons olive oil

Sea Salt (Himalayan is our favorite)

Other  seasoning options:

Italian seasoning

Garlic salt

Sriracha, Franks Hot Sauce or Tabasco 

Whatever your favorite toppings

Preheat oven 275 degrees

Remove the ribs from the kale.

Tear into large pieces

 Place in a bowl and toss with olive oil and sea salt.

Lay on a baking sheet. 

Bake until crisp, turning the leaves halfway through, about 15 minutes. 

Serve as finger food.

Kale away our friends! Kale away!