10 Unique Varieties of Kale to Delight Your Palate

Kale has surged in popularity due to its exceptional nutritional profile. This leafy green is packed with essential plant compounds such as glucosinolates, flavonoids, carotenoids, and vitamin C. As a result, it's a common ingredient in health-focused products ranging from superfood powder and smoothies to greens capsules.

Not only is kale easy to cultivate, making it a favorite among home gardeners, but it also comes in numerous varieties, each differing in color, texture, and nutrient composition. Research has identified four primary categories of kale:

• Curly kale
• American kale
• Russian kale
• Italian kale

Within these groups, numerous sub-varieties exist, including the well-known Lacinato kale, which belongs to the Italian group. Here’s a look at 10 delicious kale varieties you may not have encountered before.

1. Winterbor Kale

Winterbor kale is a favored curly kale variety among both commercial growers and home cultivators. Renowned for its hardiness against cold weather, this bluish-green kale can reach heights of up to 3 feet (91 cm). While it’s commonly cooked due to its thick leaves, it's also delightful when eaten raw. Use it in soups, stir-fries, or smoothies, or make crispy kale chips from its leaves.

2. Lacinato Kale

Also known as dinosaur or Tuscan kale, Lacinato kale features dark green, blade-like leaves and can also grow up to 3 feet (91 cm) tall. Originating from Tuscany, this variety is rich in under-consumed minerals like magnesium and zinc, and it offers a generous supply of fiber, vitamins C, and K. Its tender nature makes it ideal for salads, frittatas, or soups and other cooked dishes.

3. Red Russian Kale

Red Russian kale offers a sweet and tender flavor profile. Despite its name, this kale is slate green with dark purplish stems and is celebrated for its cold-hardiness, making it ideal for cooler climates. Young leaves, often referred to as “baby leaf” kale, are delicious raw in salads, while mature leaves can be used in any dish that calls for kale.

4. Scarlet Kale

Scarlet kale stands out with its striking purple leaves and stalks, which become more vibrant in colder temperatures. Research shows that this variety has a high content of tocopherols, including the beneficial alpha-tocopherol form of vitamin E, known for its antioxidant properties. Scarlet kale can grow up to 3 feet (91 cm) tall and can be enjoyed raw or cooked in various dishes, including soups and grain salads.

5. Redbor Kale

For those looking to add visual flair to their meals, Redbor kale offers deep reddish-purple, frilly leaves that stand 2–3 feet (61–91 cm) tall. Its color and flavor are enhanced in cooler temperatures. Redbor can be enjoyed raw in salads or cooked; when cooked, the leaves become tender and flavorful, perfect for stews and pasta dishes.

6. Beira Kale

Beira kale, also known as Portuguese cabbage, is characterized by its wavy green leaves and is traditionally used in Portuguese kale soup. With mature heights of around 2 feet (61 cm), the thick stems can be peeled and eaten similarly to celery. Studies indicate that Beira kale contains beneficial glucosinolates, which support antioxidant activity and may protect against chronic diseases.

7. Walking Stick Kale

Walking Stick kale is a remarkably tall variety, capable of reaching heights of up to 12 feet (3.6 meters). This historic leafy green from Europe has stalks that were traditionally varnished and used as canes. The tender young leaves are typically favored for consumption, while older, tougher leaves are often utilized as livestock feed.

8. Darkibor Kale

Darkibor kale features dark green, tightly curled leaves, standing at about 20 inches (51 cm) tall. This resilient variety is versatile and can thrive in various weather conditions. Its curly leaves are perfect for kale chips or included in soups and stir-fries. Interestingly, Darkibor has been shown to be rich in prebiotic fibers that promote digestive health.

9. Thousandhead Kale

Despite being botanically classified as a cabbage, Thousandhead kale deserves mention for its impressive stature, reaching up to 6 feet (1.8 meters) tall, with leaves that can grow to 3 feet (91 cm) long. These leaves can be sautéed or enjoyed raw and are also easily manageable for pest control due to their slightly curled tips.

10. Japanese Flowering Kale

Renowned for its ornamental beauty, Japanese flowering kale features a rosette shape, fuchsia center, and frilly green outer leaves. Known as habotan in Japan, it adds vibrant color to fall gardens while also offering a sweet flavor that's enjoyable both raw and cooked. It's particularly praised for making excellent kale chips.

The Final Takeaway

While your local grocery store may carry only a few kale varieties, a rich array exists worldwide, including Winterbor, Scarlet, Redbor, Beira, and numerous ornamental types. Regardless of the variety, you can trust that kale will provide ample nutrition, including fiber, calcium, and vitamins C and K.