Changing Your Mind About Kale

Is Kale Maligned Unfairly?

We all know that Kale is a super food, right! It is packed with vitamins A, C, and K, as well as antioxidants and fibre, but despite all of that, we hate the stuff.

kale has become a polarising vegetable, maligned for its strong flavour and tough texture. This poor image is not helped by the leather tough kale with stalks as thick as tree branches we are generally faced with in the supermarket or by the way in which many of us were served kale as children. This nutrient powerhouse is just not attracting the love it deserves 

In 2022/23 farmer Dave went on a mission to see how this could be changed, and after much fiddling about with varieties and varying spacings and methods of growing kale plus several failed experiments, he came to a conclusion.

The key too enjoying kale is selecting tender young kale, that is grown quickly and in optimal conditions. The resultant crop, when harvested young and without its stalks, transforms kale into something truly delightful with excellent taste and texture.

So now, at Bare Acre Farm, we harvest our kale young and tender, ensuring a super leaf vegetable that is perfect for both cooking and as a raw ingredient in salads. Our kale retains its nutrient density but with a mild taste and better texture, enhancing dishes with its fresh, vibrant qualities.

By giving kale a second chance, you might discover a new favourite that not only tastes good but also boosts your health.

Here is a quick and easy suggestions from the Bare Acre Kitchen that we hope will spread some Kale Love while at the same time, adding to a health diet.

Garlic  Sautéed Kale

Ingredients:

• 1 bunch of Bare Acre kale, chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• A squeeze of lemon juice

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add the chopped kale and cook, stirring frequently, until wilted and tender, about 4-5 minutes.
4. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.