Types of Kale

November 16, 2016
Photo: Brian Woodcock
Although some varieties of kale are available year-round, cooler months are the best time to enjoy the leafy winter green at its sweetest, most flavorful peak. Who knew there were so many different types of kale? As kale grows more popular with healthy eaters or just eaters with an eye toward healthier foods, the number of kale types available in grocery stores will likely continue to grow. This guide to the many different varieties of kale will help you decide which is best for the dish you're planning to prepare.
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Kale Yeah!

Photo: Alison Miksch

Kale frequently tops the list of the most nutritious foods on the planet. While it didn't make our superfood list, experts tell us not to be discouraged by the haters. It's still one of the most nutrient-dense greens readily available at the supermarket—just one cup contains 14% of your daily calcium, 659% of your daily vitamin A, and 900% of your daily vitamin K requirement, according to an article on Time.com. And the list of varietals and the ways you can prepare it are long. Whether you blend it, sauté it, bake it, or eat it raw, kale remains a trending food with a nutritional value that continues to shine, despite its numerous competitors. Get to know these types of kale and delicious options for weeknight meals.

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Red Kale

Photo: Alison Miksch
View Recipe: Lamb Meatballs with Kale, Cumin Yogurt, and Carolina Gold Rice

Hearty, with a mildly sweet, nutty flavor and purple-red stems. Sauté or braise to cook the somewhat tough leaves.

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Baby Kale

Photo: Alison Miksch
View Recipe: Cherry and Sunflower Seed Kale Salad

Young leaves have a mild flavor and are tender enough to eat raw, yet hearty enough to stand up to a quick stir-fry or sauté. Stems are soft and don’t need to be trimmed.

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White Flowering Kale

Photo: Alison Miksch
View Recipe: Lemony Kale Salad

Leaves have a peppery, cabbage-forward flavor. Great in braises and soups.

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Purple Flowering Kale

Photo: Alison Miksch
View Recipe: Marinated Kale Salad

Sweet, cabbage-like leaves are tasty raw in salads or lightly cooked. Stems tend to be bitter.

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Curly Kale

Photo: Alison Miksch
View Recipe: Sausage and Kale Pesto Pizza

The most common variety, with a lightly bitter flavor. The stem is woody, so strip and use just the leaves.

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Lacinato Kale

Photo: Alison Miksch
View Recipe: Onion, Kale, and Chickpea Soup

Also called dinosaur or Tuscan kale. Tender leaves have a mild, earthy flavor and are delicious raw, wilted, or sautéed.

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Kale, Jicama, and Orange Salad

Photo: Brian Woodcock
View Recipe: Kale, Jicama, and Orange Salad

Now that you know which kale is right for your recipe, browse our extensive collection of kale recipes and kale salads to find even more delicious inspiration for winter salads.

Here's an idea to get you started. This Kale, Jicama, and Orange Salad pops with color and texture from juicy citrus, creamy avocado, and crisp jicama. Dark, bumpy kale fits the mood, but you can substitute any lettuce you like. We love the pink hue of Cara Cara oranges in the salad, but regular navel or even blood oranges (in keeping with the spooky theme) would also work. Sturdy lacinato kale will become perfectly tender when dressed and left to stand at room temperature. Coating the avocado in the dressing first will keep it from browning while you're out having fun.

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