Kale
Leaf cabbage cultivated since antiquity for food and ornament.
Kale, also called leaf cabbage, is a group of cabbage (Brassica oleracea) cultivars grown primarily for their edible leaves and also used as an ornamental plant. Its multiple cultivars vary in appearance, with leaves that can be bumpy, curly, or flat, and colors ranging from purple to green. oleracea.
- origin
- Eastern Mediterranean and Anatolia
- plant type
- Biennial plant grown from seed
- cold tolerance
- survives temperatures as low as −15 °C (5 °F)
- leaf colors
- purple, green, white, red, pink, lavender, yellow green, creamy white
- known for
- edible leaves, ornamental use, high vitamin K content
Lore & Background
Curly-leaved and flat-leaved varieties existed in Greece in the 4th century BC, and the Romans referred to these forms as Sabellian kale, considered ancestors of modern kales. The earliest record of cabbages in western Europe is of hard-heading cabbage in the 13th century, and 14th-century English records distinguish between hard-heading cabbage and loose-leaf kale.
Reader's Guide
Kale's significance lies in its long history as a food crop and its recent resurgence as a nutritional powerhouse. It is a rich source of vitamin K, vitamin A, vitamin C, folate, and manganese, and contains carotenoids and glucosinolate compounds under preliminary research for potential health effects. Kale is hardy and thrives in winter, becoming sweeter after frost, and its many cultivars range from curly-leaf to bumpy-leaf types like cavolo nero. In the United States, kale was primarily decorative for most of the 20th century but became commonly consumed starting in the 1990s due to its nutritional value, now appearing in salads and green smoothies. Its legacy includes traditional European dishes such as Dutch boerenkoolstamppot, Portuguese caldo verde, and Irish colcannon, as well as use in ornamental bouquets and as a potato chip substitute.
Did You Know?
- Kale can survive temperatures as low as −15 °C (5 °F) and becomes sweeter after a heavy frost.
- USDA botanist David Fairchild introduced kale to Americans from Croatia, though he disliked cabbages.
- The name kale originates from Northern Middle English cale, ultimately from Latin caulis 'cabbage'.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Kale?
Kale is a group of cabbage (Brassica oleracea) cultivars that people grow primarily for their edible leaves, though it also serves as a decorative garden plant. It is a biennial species propagated from seed.
What do Kale leaves look like?
Depending on the cultivar, the foliage can be bumpy, tightly curled, or completely flat. You'll find them in a wide palette including purple, green, white, red, pink, lavender, yellow-green, and creamy white.
How does Kale handle cold weather?
It is remarkably frost-tolerant, surviving temperatures that drop as low as −15 °C (5 °F). This hardiness makes it a popular choice for late-fall and winter gardens.
Why do fans consider Kale special among vegetables?
Botanically, it sits closer to wild cabbage than most other domesticated Brassica oleracea varieties, giving it a kind of 'original' appeal. It is also celebrated for its very high vitamin K content, which keeps it a staple in health-conscious cooking.
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