Kale

Like broccoli, cauliflower, and collards, kale is a descendent of the wild cabbage, a plant thought to have originated in Asia Minor and to have been brought to Europe around 600 B.C. by groups of Celtic wanderers. Curly kale played an important role in early European foodways, having been a significant crop during ancient Roman times and a popular vegetable eaten by peasants in the Middle Ages. English settlers brought kale to the United States in the 17th century.

Both ornamental and dinosaur kale are much more recent varieties. Dinosaur kale was discovered in Italy in the late 19th century. Ornamental kale, originally a decorative garden plant, was first cultivated commercially as in the 1980s in California. Ornamental kale is now better known by the name salad savoy.

A Few Quick Serving Ideas

• Steam the leaves whole. Add some olive oil over it and mix it under before serving
• Braise chopped kale and apples. Before serving, sprinkle with balsamic vinegar and chopped walnuts.
• Combine chopped kale, pine nuts, and feta cheese with whole grain pasta drizzled with olive oil.