Community Chat

[NoelSeven]

In spite of all the publicity on the nutritional benefits of kale, the recipes everywhere you look that feature kale, I avoided it.

I remembered trying it a long time ago and not liking it, but I finally gave it a shot last night in a new recipe, and because TJoe's now carries fresh kale in bags, cleaned, cut up and ready to go.

We really liked it! It was basically a stir-fry with chicken Italian sausage, kale, and pasta. Garlic, a little chicken broth, S&P and a little red wine for additional flavor. I thought DH might turn up his nose, but he loved it!

[Topaz Gem]

I'm embarrassed to say that I've never tried it. I plan to one of these days, as I keep hearing about the health benefits. People seem to either like it or hate it. Glad you found a recipe where you could tolerate it; your stir fry recipe sounds really good.

[lulu2]

Not a fan. It's kind of bitter. I do throw it in soup.

[Cranberries]

I've never tried it. It doesn't look appetizing to me.

[Free2be]

Hi Noel! My grocery deli makes a "Super Food Salad" with kale that is delicious. I've copied the ingredients and made it several times: Kale chopped small, grapes, walnuts, grated carrot, red onion, cherry tomatoes, chopped apple with skin on with a light dressing like raspberry which adds just enough flavor without overwhelming the others.

Also last time at Costco I bought a bag of "stir fry" greens and carrots in the refrigerated room -- delicious. Comes with stir fry sauce. Just added grilled steak strips for a meal. 1 bag easily makes two meals for two or three.

[NoelSeven]

On 6/9/2014 Topaz Gem said:

I'm embarrassed to say that I've never tried it. I plan to one of these days, as I keep hearing about the health benefits. People seem to either like it or hate it. Glad you found a recipe where you could tolerate it; your stir fry recipe sounds really good.

Thanks! It may be awhile before I venture into a raw kale salad, but I'm going to find ways to add it into our diet.

Here's some good info from WebMD:

The Truth About Kale

Kale, also known as borecole, is one of the healthiest vegetables on the planet. A leafy green, kale is available in curly, ornamental, or dinosaur varieties. It belongs to the Brassica family that includes cruciferous vegetables such as cabbage, collards, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts.

What makes kale so exceptional? Here is why it's a superstar vegetable -- and ways to work it into your diet.

Kale is a Nutritional Powerhouse

One cup of chopped kale contains 33 calories and 9% of the daily value of calcium, 206% of vitamin A, 134% of vitamin C, and a whopping 684% of vitamin K. It is also a good source of minerals copper, potassium, iron, manganese, and phosphorus.

Kale’s health benefits are primarily linked to the high concentration and excellent source of antioxidant vitamins A, C, and K -- and sulphur-containing phytonutrients.

Carotenoids and flavonoids are the specific types of antioxidants associated with many of the anti-cancer health benefits. Kale is also rich in the eye-health promoting lutein and zeaxanthin compounds.

Beyond antioxidants, the fiber content of cruciferous kale binds bile acids and helps lower blood cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease, especially when kale is cooked instead of raw.

Super-Rich in Vitamin K

Eating a diet rich in the powerful antioxidant vitamin K can reduce the overall risk of developing or dying from cancer, according to a study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Vitamin K is abundant in kale but also found in parsley, spinach, collard greens, and animal products such as cheese.

Vitamin K is necessary for a wide variety of bodily functions, including normal blood clotting, antioxidant activity, and bone health.

But too much vitamin K can pose problems for some people. Anyone taking anticoagulants such as warfarin should avoid kale because the high level of vitamin K may interfere with the drugs. Consult your doctor before adding kale to your diet.

Kale might be a powerhouse of nutrients but is also contains oxalates, naturally occurring substances that can interfere with the absorption of calcium. Avoid eating calcium-rich foods like dairy at the same time as kale to prevent any problems.

Eat More Kale

In summer, vegetable choices abound. But during the cooler months, there are fewer in-season choices -- with the exception of kale and other dark, leafy greens that thrive in cooler weather.

To find the freshest kale, look for firm, deeply colored leaves with hardy stems. Smaller leaves will be more tender and milder in flavor. Leaves range from dark green to purple to deep red in color.

Store kale, unwashed, in an air-tight zipped plastic bag for up to five days in the refrigerator.

http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/features/the-truth-about-kale

[Surfnturf]

I love kale. I think it's mild as far as greens go, and the only type I like.

[winamac1]

I don't like it, but my husband likes it. It is extremely healthy! It has tons of calcium and most veggies don't have a lot of calcium. It's bitter. I prefer broccoli.

[MomOf4]

Hi Noel!! Never tried kale but your recipe sounds yummy!! I might have to try that.

[straykatz]

I lik eit in soups and stir fries...it doesn't get as slimy as spinach.....have also put it in green smoothies too but find the earthy taste not very appealing unless I add some honey or other type of sweetener.....but I love.....love.....love kale chips when I have the time to make them!