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Choose Kale for November’s Harvest of the Month! Kale has been grown in Europe and Asia for over 2,000 years. There are over 50 varieties of Kale! Some popular varieties include curly kale, Red Russian, Redbor, and Lacinato. A fun fact about the variety, Lacinato, is that it is also called Dinosaur Kale because of its bumpy leaves and texture!
Kale is packed with nutrients and helps our bodies stay healthy in many ways! Some of the key nutrients found in Kale are vitamin K, which is needed for blood clotting. Vitamin A helps keep our skin and bones healthy, resists and fights infection, and helps maintain good eyesight! Vitamin C helps heal wounds, is important for our immune system, and is an antioxidant which helps protect our cells from damage. You can find fresh Kale grown in Wisconsin from May through October! But look for it anytime in your grocery stores.
Try taste testing Kale with a variety of dressings, such as maple balsamic vinaigrette, ranch, and sesame soy. You can also compare raw Kale to “massaged” Kale salad. Add a little oil and balsamic vinegar to raw chopped Kale and use clean hands to rub the Kale. This helps to soften the leaves before adding salad toppings. Ask kids to compare the texture of raw Kale to the massaged Kale. Encourage kids to use their five senses to observe, smell, feel, listen, and taste both versions of Kale. Poll kids to find out if they prefer raw versus massaged kale and why! For other ways to enjoy Kale, add it to smoothies or salads, steam fresh Kale and season with lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper, or mix chopped Kale into the pot with pasta 5 minutes before it is done. Strain the pasta and Kale and add your favorite sauce! Choose Kale for November’s Harvest of the Month!
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