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Baby Kale
Inventory, 2 lb : 123.00
This item was last sold on : 09/26/23
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Baby kale is simply the term for the delicate leaves of a young, immature kale plant. Almost any kale variety can be harvested at this young stage when the leaves are more mild and tender, though still hardier than most lettuce varieties. Both the petite stems and leaves of Baby kale are edible, with a chewy yet succulent texture and a slightly peppery flavor, similar to arugula.
Baby kale is available year-round.
Baby kale is a member of the Mustard or Cabbage family, and is a variety of Brassica oleracea known as acephala, meaning “without a head”. Still relatively new so the commercial market, Baby kale is starting to show up more often in fresh salad mixes with other greens, such as baby chard, arugula, spinach, and red or green lettuce.
Baby kale is known to be a nutritional powerhouse and is rich in calcium and iron as well as vitamins A, C and K1. In order to be absorbed in the body vitamin K1 requires fats so be sure to prepare baby kale with a healthy oil or avocado to take full advantage of the nutritional properties. Additionally, Baby kale can help lower cholesterol levels in the body by biding bile acids. Cruciferous vegetables such as baby kale also contain oxalates which are known to interfere with absorption of potassium and calcium, however oxalates are not heat-stable, longer cooking times can decrease their presence.
Baby kale is most often used raw, as its leaves are tender enough to be enjoyed fresh, yet its texture is still sturdy enough to stand up well in cooking. Baby kale can add an earthy flavor to raw salad green mixes, or it can be juiced, wilted, fried, dehydrated, or sautéed. Try topping a flatbread or pizza with Baby kale, or incorporate it into braising greens to add a nutty yet sweet flavor. Baby kale can even be used in lieu of spinach in baked preparations like quiche, lasagna, and enchiladas. Complimentary ingredients include garlic, ginger, fennel, sage, onion, apple, balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, robust cheeses, pork, chicken, and white beans. To store Baby kale, wrap the leaves in a loose bundle with a paper towel or a thin cotton kitchen towel, place them in a large, sealable bag, and refrigerate in the crisper drawer for up to a week.
In some Northwestern German towns, it is customary to hold a kale tour each January, where you visit a country inn and eat your fair share of kale and sausage, and even crown a local celebrity as "kale king".
Kale is one of the oldest forms of cabbage. It is native to the eastern Mediterranean or Asia Minor, and it has been in cultivation for over 2000 years. Baby kale thrives in the fall and spring months, but can be grown year-round. Like mature kale plants, Baby kale can handle cold temperatures, and a good fall frost or cool winter will impart a higher sugar content and result in a better flavor in the plant.
Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.
the other 68...
Recipes that include Baby Kale. One
is easiest, three is harder.
| Food Buzz: History of Kale |
Description/Taste
Baby kale is simply the term for the delicate leaves of a young, immature kale plant. Almost any kale variety can be harvested at this young stage when the leaves are more mild and tender, though still hardier than most lettuce varieties. Both the petite stems and leaves of Baby kale are edible, with a chewy yet succulent texture and a slightly peppery flavor, similar to arugula.
Seasons/Availability
Baby kale is available year-round.
Current Facts
Baby kale is a member of the Mustard or Cabbage family, and is a variety of Brassica oleracea known as acephala, meaning “without a head”. Still relatively new so the commercial market, Baby kale is starting to show up more often in fresh salad mixes with other greens, such as baby chard, arugula, spinach, and red or green lettuce.
Nutritional Value
Baby kale is known to be a nutritional powerhouse and is rich in calcium and iron as well as vitamins A, C and K1. In order to be absorbed in the body vitamin K1 requires fats so be sure to prepare baby kale with a healthy oil or avocado to take full advantage of the nutritional properties. Additionally, Baby kale can help lower cholesterol levels in the body by biding bile acids. Cruciferous vegetables such as baby kale also contain oxalates which are known to interfere with absorption of potassium and calcium, however oxalates are not heat-stable, longer cooking times can decrease their presence.
Applications
Baby kale is most often used raw, as its leaves are tender enough to be enjoyed fresh, yet its texture is still sturdy enough to stand up well in cooking. Baby kale can add an earthy flavor to raw salad green mixes, or it can be juiced, wilted, fried, dehydrated, or sautéed. Try topping a flatbread or pizza with Baby kale, or incorporate it into braising greens to add a nutty yet sweet flavor. Baby kale can even be used in lieu of spinach in baked preparations like quiche, lasagna, and enchiladas. Complimentary ingredients include garlic, ginger, fennel, sage, onion, apple, balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, robust cheeses, pork, chicken, and white beans. To store Baby kale, wrap the leaves in a loose bundle with a paper towel or a thin cotton kitchen towel, place them in a large, sealable bag, and refrigerate in the crisper drawer for up to a week.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
In some Northwestern German towns, it is customary to hold a kale tour each January, where you visit a country inn and eat your fair share of kale and sausage, and even crown a local celebrity as "kale king".
Geography/History
Kale is one of the oldest forms of cabbage. It is native to the eastern Mediterranean or Asia Minor, and it has been in cultivation for over 2000 years. Baby kale thrives in the fall and spring months, but can be grown year-round. Like mature kale plants, Baby kale can handle cold temperatures, and a good fall frost or cool winter will impart a higher sugar content and result in a better flavor in the plant.
Featured Restaurants
Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.
| Bleu Boheme | San Diego CA | 619-255-4167 |
| Local Tap House & Kitchen | Oceanside CA | 760-547-1469 |
| Terra Restaurant | San Diego CA | 619-293-7088 |
| Stone Brewing-Liberty Station | San Diego CA | 619-269-2100 |
| Hotel Republic San Diego | San Diego CA | 951-756-9357 |
| My Amadea | National City CA | 808-854-7380 |
| US Grant Hotel Main | San Diego CA | 619-232-3121 |
| Donna Jean | San Diego CA | 619-299-5500 |
| DS Catering Kitchen | Chula Vista CA | 619-703-9321 |
| Reata Glen | Ladera Ranch CA | 949-545-2250 |
| Armonia LLC | San Diego CA | 619-724-7210 |
| Sheraton Carlsbad (7 Mile) | Carlsbad CA | 760-827-2400 |
| Cocina De Barrio | San Diego CA | 760-840-1129 |
| Dolce Pane & Vino | Del Mar CA | 858-832-1518 |
| Monarch | Del Mar CA | 619-308-6500 |
| Waverly | Cardiff CA | 619-244-0416 |
| Rancho Valencia | Del Mar CA | 858-756-1123 |
| Pendry SD (Lion Fish) | San Diego CA | 619-738-7000 |
| Sheraton La Jolla | San Diego CA | 858-453-5500 |
| Shorehouse Kitchen | La Jolla CA | 858-459-3300 |
| Sheraton Carlsbad (20/20) | Carlsbad CA | 760-827-2400 |
| Barbarella La Jolla | La Jolla CA | 858-454-7373 |
| Villa Capri Poway | Poway CA | 858-391-9400 |
| Harley Gray Kitchen and Bar | San Diego CA | 619-840-7000 |
| SB Kitchen | Solana Beach CA | 610-717-7217 |
| Wine Vault & Bistro | San Diego CA | 619-295-3939 |
| Fish 101 | Encinitas CA | 760-943-6221 |
| Saint Mark Golf and Resort, LLC | San Marcos CA | 508-320-6644 |
| Pendry SD (Pool House) | San Diego CA | 619-738-7000 |
| Bahia Resort Hotel | San Diego CA | 858-488-0551 |
| Four Seasons Residence Club | Carlsbad CA | 760-603-6360 |
| UCSD Food & Nutrition Department Hillcrest | San Diego CA | 619-380-9840 |
| Healthy Creations-Encinitas | Encinitas CA | 760-479-0500 |
| La Costa Glen North | Carlsbad CA | 760-704-1436 |
| Lodge at Torrey Pines Main | San Diego CA | 858-453-4420 |
| Cucina Enoteca | Del Mar CA | 619-239-2222 |
| Little Lion | San Diego CA | 619-519-4079 |
| Hilton Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 858-792-5200 x4234 |
| Ciccia Osteria | San Diego CA | 619-674-4069 |
| The Santaluz Club Inc - Main Dining | San Diego CA | 858-759-3150 |
| La Costa Resort & Spa Main Kitchen | Carlsbad CA | 760-930-7063 |
| Farmer and The Seahorse | San Diego CA | 619-302-3682 |
| Brockton Villa Restaurant | San Diego CA | 858-454-7393 |
| Park Hyatt Aviara | Carlsbad CA | 760-448-1234 |
| Panama 66 | San Diego CA | 619-206-6352 |
| Marriott Marquis North Tower | San Diego CA | 619-234-1500 |
| Rustic Root | San Diego CA | 619-232-1747 |
| Vista Valley | Vista CA | 760-758-2800 |
| Cocina de Barrio Point Loma | San Diego CA | 858-349-2313 |
| Deeply Nourished | San Diego CA | 808-489-7366 |
| Noble House Hotels & Resorts | San Diego CA | 619-276-4010 |
| Pizza Cassette | San Diego CA | 802-310-5601 |
| Edgewater Grill | San Diego CA | 619-232-7581 |
| Cove House | La Jolla CA | 858-999-0034 |
| Fairmont Grand Del Mar | San Diego CA | 858-314-1975 |
| Orfila Vineyards & Winery | Oceanside CA | 760-738-6500 |
| The Shores | La Jolla CA | 858-459-8271 |
| Ketch Grill and Taps | San Diego CA | 858-268-1030 |
| The Santaluz Club Inc - Bistro Kitchen | San Diego CA | 858-759-3150 |
| Orens Fine Foods | San Diego CA | 510-910-2298 |
| JRDN Restaurant | San Diego CA | 858-270-5736 |
| Village Vino | San Diego CA | 619-546-8466 |
| Lauberge Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 858-259-1515 |
| Fish 101 Cardiff | Cardiff CA | 619-753-7139 |
| Georges at the Cove | San Diego CA | 858-454-4244 |
| Juniper & Ivy | San Diego CA | 858-481-3666 |
| Jake's Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 858-755-2002 |
| Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens Banquets | Escondido CA | 760-294-7866 |
| Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens | Escondido CA | 915-861-2297 |
| Marriott Courtyard Old Town | San Diego CA | 619-260-8500 |
| Pacific Coast Grill | Solana Beach CA | 858-794-4632 |
| Public House 131 | San Diego CA | 858-537-0890 |
| Humphrey's | San Diego CA | 619-224-3577 |
| Nate's Garden Grill | San Diego CA | 619-607-0117 |
| Bernardo Heights Country Club | San Diego CA | 858-487-4022 |
| Wonderland Ocean Pub | San Diego CA | 619-255-3358 |
| Beach Plum Kitchen | Carlsbad CA | 760-688-8682 |
| Urban Kitchen Catering | San Diego CA | 619-276-8803 |
| Sheraton Carlsbad (Banquets) | Carlsbad CA | 760-827-2400 |
| Encontro North Park | San Diego CA | 310-955-6333 |
| Ki's Kitchen Commissary | VISTA CA | 760-777-0700 |
| La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club | San Diego CA | 858-454-7126 |
| Fernside | San Diego CA | 619-398-5156 |
| Shorehouse Kitchen Carlsbad | Carlsbad CA | 858-663-9916 |
| UCSD Food & Nutrition Department La Jolla | San Diego CA | 858-761-1269 |
| Park Commons - ARE | San Diego CA | 619-295-3172 |
| The Pizza Guys | Vista CA | 760-529-7873 |
| HiroNori Ramen | San Diego CA | 619-446-9876 |
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Baby Kale. One
is easiest, three is harder.| Green Kitchen Stories |
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Green Breakfast Bowl |
