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All Hail the Great Kale!

 

Thursday, September 22 only!

Local Kale

Hermit Creek Farm – Highbridge, WI

$1.99 a bunch

 

We’ve teamed up with the Healthy Change Coalition to introduce a new fruit or vegetable to you each month. September’s Harvest of the Month is kale.

 

While kale’s popularity may seem recent, the hearty leaf was a staple in ancient Greece and Rome and one of the most common green vegetables in Europe up until the end of the Middle Ages. A descendent of wild cabbage, the word kale hails from Scotland—where the phrase “come to kale” was a dinner invitation. Celtic travelers brought the vegetable to Europe around 600 BC, and English settlers brought kale to America in the 17th century.

Kale is a cold-hardy crop, thriving in climates with cooler nights and warm days. A cold snap, especially with a light frost, sweetens the vegetable. In the U.S., California and Wisconsin are major kale producers.

Kale, also called borecole, shares the botanical name Brassica oleracea with a long list of other veggies, like collard greens, broccoli, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts .

The slightly sweet, slightly bitter cabbage taste of kale is delicious raw, sautéed, simmered or roasted. Take care not to overcook it, though, or it may become increasingly bitter.

Toss kale in any stir-fry, steam and serve with a vinaigrette, or sauté in sesame oil with garlic and tamari for an Asian touch.

While it’s available year-round in some places, the peak season for kale in the Chequamegon Bay area spans June through November.

 

Did you know?

  • Kale has cholesterol-lowering properties due to its fiber contents. These qualities are enhanced by steaming.
  • Kale has been shown to lower the risk of certain types of cancer, including bladder, breast, colon, ovary, and prostate.
  • The flavonoids and carotenoids in kale offer both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.
  • Kale is an excellent source of vitamins K, A, and C.
  • The omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acid content in kale may help with heart health, including decreasing the risk of coronary heart disease.
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