Kale is a vegetable that belongs to the species brassica oleracea, that includes other famous relatives such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts and cabbages.
This vegetable has always been popular in Northern Europe and it is a well-documented fact that Thomas Jefferson experimented with some varieties of Kale during the 19th century. However, the popularity of Kale has skyrocketed over the last four or five years thanks to its amazing nutrient profile.
Nutritious and Versatile
One of the characteristics that make this veggie so interesting is that in addition to being a nutrient powerhouse, it’s also incredibly versatile. Including it in your diet is as easy as adding it to your salad. It has a nice, peppery flavor and adds a nice crunch to any dish. There are different types of kale:
- Curly Kale: With bright green, curly leaves, this is the most common type of kale.
- Dinosaur Kale: Has wrinkled leaves that look like dinosaur skin.
- Redbor Kale: Its ruffled leaves range in color from deep red to purple.
- Russian Kale: Has flat fringed leaves that range in color from green to purple.
Health Benefits of Kale
Kale is among the most nutrient-dense foods you can find. The values of a single cup of this vegetable (about 67 grams) are literally off the charts, as you can see below.
| Nutrient | Percentage of Daily Recommended Value |
|---|---|
| Vitamin A | 206% |
| Vitamin K | 684% |
| Vitamin C | 134% |
| Vitamin B6 | 9% |
| Manganese | 26% |
| Calcium | 9% |
| Copper | 10% |
| Potassium | 9% |
Additionally, kale also contains generous quantities of antioxidants like Quercetin and Kaempferol. This substances fight the effects of free radicals, that are believed to cause aging and some diseases. The only people who should reduce or avoid kale consumption are individuals susceptible to kidney stones or who take certain blood thinners.
Try Our Grilled Chicken With Mushroom-Kale!
At Chef Gourmet we love ths veggie and all its amazing benefits. In fact, Grilled Chicken with Mushroom-Kale is one of the delicious dishes included in our Gourmet Prepared Meals.
Our passion for the culinary arts results in food that is loved by us the ones we serve. We source fresh ingredients from local suppliers we know and trust. This is our way of supporting our communities to create and nurture meaningful relationships with those around us.
We are located at 1910 S. Archibald, Unit O, Ontario, California. Contact us today by telephone (1-888-536-5269), email or through our social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn to learn more about our menus and our Gourmet lunch Boxes.
