Kale - The British Superfood

My obsession with kale started after I ate it raw in salad. Since, I have been experimenting with cannelloni, butternut salad, sweet potato salad, hummus, chips etc…. Local & seasonal, Kale is produced in the UK almost all year long. This green brassica owns its popularity to being known as a superfood, rich in vitamins, minerals and nutrients.

Because it deteriorates quickly you should not leave it in the fridge for too long. It is at its best when the leaves are a deep vibrant green. The central ribs can be tough so discard them before cooking. You can then chop or shred the leaves.

Kale The Superfood

Kale is a powerhouse of goodness high in vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, calcium, manganese (see full nutrients here). Like some other members of the brassica family it contains sulforaphane which has shown anti-cancer properties. High in fibre, it helps lower cholesterol levels and reduces the risk of heart disease. It contains no fat and is also low in calorie.

Goes Well With

So versatile its bold taste is best balanced with other strong flavours including:

+ Garlic
+ Onion
+ Avocado
+ Mushrooms
+ Cheese – Parmesan, Goat Cheese, Gruyère, Feta, Ricotta
+ Cured Meat – Chorizo, Bacon, Prosciutto
+ Dried Fruits – Cranberries, Raisins, Currants, Apricot
+ Anchovies
+ Soy Sauce
+ Worcestershire sauce
+ Chilli
+ Mustard
+ Root Vegetables
+ Spices – Ginger, Nutmeg, Smoked Paprika
+ Grains – Quinoa, Rice, Wheatberries
+ Nuts – Walnuts, Almonds, Peanuts, Almonds