When your 13 year old son asks you to make that recipe with kale in it you know you have done something right!  Kale has become the "it" food but I know that I was intimidated by it at first. As I cook with it more and more I find that kale is in fact quite easy to use and delicious.  Delicious enough that even a 13 year old requests it!

What is it

Kale is a headless cruciferous vegetable.  It can be curly or flat and range in color from green to purple.  It flourishes in the colder months and can often be found at winter markets.

Health Benefits

Storage

Kale can be stored unwashed in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for 5-7 days.  Kale can be stored in the freezer for 10-12 months.  The kale must first be washed, blanched (plunged into boiling water for 2-3 minutes then chilled in ice water) drained and packed into freezer bags.

Uses

 Kale can be sautéed, eaten raw, baked for kale chips, substituted for any leafy green in recipes or used for juicing or in a smoothie.  The recipe that is so loved by my son is Garbanzo Beans and Greens found at http://www.cookinglight.com/food/in-season/kale-recipes/garbanzo-beans-greens.  Enjoy your Kale knowing that you are doing your body a favor with each bite!