Red Russian Kale
Brassica napus subsp. napus var. pabularia
Different leave shapes
Similar veggies:
Red kale, Green kale, Cavolo nero
A quick introduction
Red Russian kale looks similar to green kale, but the leaves are light green with blue hues and fewer frills, and its stems are red and purple. It is sweeter and more tender than other types of kale and more suitable to be used in salads (especially when the leaves are still young and small). Some leaves can look a little different and have less frills (see left leave on the second image).
Storage
As with all leafy greens we recommend washing kale in cold water (we do pre-wash it at the farm), then dry it and store in a closed container in the fridge. This way it will keep for almost a week.
Season
Summer to winter
Suggestions for preparation
The stems of red Russian kale are less tough than those of other types of kale, so you can just finely chop them before cooking and have shorter cooking times. Add it to soups, pastas or quiches for a hearty and healthy addition!
RECIPES
Two kale tips by one of our members: make this easy pasta sauce or go for a stew with harissa and beans.
If you are looking for new ways to cook kale, you could make this hearty and warming caldo verde soup (Portugese kale soup).
For a healthy yet filling lunch or dinner try this marinated kale and chickpeas salad
If you are feeling adventurous, why not try this (not-so-) Thai red curry with sweet potatoes and kale!
We also think this soup with polenta, kale, miso and sesame oil and this poached fish in tomato sauce with kale both look promising.