The beautiful leaves of the kale plant have an earthy flavor and provide more nutritional value for fewer calories than almost any other food. And the great thing is you can grow it in your yard all year long here
The beautiful leaves of the kale plant have an earthy flavor and provide more nutritional value for fewer calories than almost any other food. And the great thing is you can grow it in your yard all year long here on Kaua‘i. An endless supply of a true superfood!
Kale is a leafy green vegetable of the Brassica family, which also includes cabbage, collards, turnips, and brussel sprouts. Kale, like other Brassica vegetables, is loaded with health promoting, sulfur-containing phytonutrients, as well as a host of vitamins and minerals, and fiber. It is very easy to grow. You can protect your health and enjoy this delicious food at the same time.
Kaua‘i is the ideal place to grow Dinosaur Kale, also known as Lacinato. This kale was first discovered in Italy in the late 19th century, and has become a favorite among kale lovers. It has dark blue-green leaves with an embossed texture and has a sweeter more delicate taste than the more common curly kale.
Like broccoli, cauliflower, and mustard greens, kale is a descendant of the wild cabbage, thought to have originated in Asia Minor, and brought to Europe around 600 B.C. by Celtic nomads. Kale was a significant crop in ancient Roman times and was an important, popular vegetable eaten by Europeans in the Middle ages. English settlers brought kale to North America in the 17th century.
Kale is easy to grow in Kaua‘i’s soil, which should be high in organic matter, and slightly acidic. High nitrogen content is good, as you are growing kale for the foliage. Kale can be directly seeded in the garden. Cover seeds with about one half inch of soil. Kale seeds germinate quickly in warm soil and should sprout within five to eight days. Thin the seedlings to about 1 foot apart. You may also sow seeds in pots and transplant the seedlings a foot apart in the garden.
Keep your kale plants well watered. Side dressing throughout the year with compost or feeding with fish emulsion will keep your kale growing continuously. Here on Kaua‘i Dinosaur Kale keeps on producing tender sweet crisp leaves, which can be harvested as you need them. And don’t be surprised if your plants grow to over six feet in height. They are a beautiful ornamental, and a great food crop that is low maintenance, high yield!
Kale can be eaten in ways you would use spinach. One popular way to cook kale includes stir fry with olive oil, garlic, and onions. Add a little chicken broth, cover and cook for five minutes then finish with salt, pepper and a little lemon juice.
• Tom Peterson is a Certified Master Gardener and Richard Ebesu is the Kaua‘i Master Gardener program coordinator with the University of Hawai‘i Cooperative Extension Service.
