17 Ways to Use Kale (Slideshow)

Kale is the best of everything — super cheap, super tasty, super versatile and super healthy. Loaded with calcium, and vitamins C and D definitely earns that extra-special title of superfood. But, let’s be honest — kale’s rich flavor can be a little intimidating to first-timers. We’re breaking down the basics of cooking with kale. Click through for recipe ideas.

Tips & Tricks

Best Time To Buy: Though it’s available year-round, kale is best in the winter, when frost makes its flavor sweeter.

Choosing Kale: Leaves should be dark green & frilly. They should have some “spring” to them. Bad signs: wilted, yellow or brown spots, dry leaves.

Storing Kale: Keep unwashed kale refrigerated in an airtight container for 3-4 days.

Reviving Limp Kale: Trim the stems & soak in tepid water for about 5 minutes. Voila!

Cutting kale: First, grab the bottom of the stem and pull off the leaves with your hands. Stack leaves on top of each other. Roll into little bundles (like you would with basil, for example) and cut to your desired size.

Reducing Intense Flavor: Kale that’s been massaged with oil and lemon juice will reduce its intense flavor. This method is great for introducing the dark leafy green to kale newbies!

Click here for a Basic Cooked Kale Recipe

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Melissa C.

10:46AM PDT on May 21, 2013

Going to try the kale chips. Maybe my little sister will like them too, she likes to eat rice and seaweed a lot (then again she's 2 and toddlers are notoriously picky eaters).

May 21
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Bryna P.

1:58PM PDT on Apr 1, 2013

Thank you! I can't wait to try these recipes!

April 1
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katarzyna p.

7:30AM PST on Jan 17, 2013

some great ideas, i'm quite new to kale so will give some of these a try, although not convinced about the chips!

January 17
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Melissa F.

6:03AM PST on Jan 13, 2013

thanks but no thanks. But thanks for the article.

January 13
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Diane S.

5:53AM PST on Jan 13, 2013

We bought our produce for the first time through a co-op and ordered extra kale. We have so much we will be using these recipes today! And tomorrow... and the next day. Luckily, we love kale!

Penny B.

11:16PM PST on Nov 28, 2012

Sounds great, I'll try it! Thanks.

November 28
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Teresa G.

4:17PM PST on Nov 21, 2012

Luce provocativa la receta de "flatbread"con ajo, cebolla, etc. Hmmmm!!! :P

November 21
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4:10PM PST on Nov 21, 2012

Nice!

Joy W.

11:46PM PST on Nov 16, 2012

Thanks for sharing.

November 16
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Alyssa R.

8:14AM PST on Nov 16, 2012

just bought my first kale, so far I've used it in a green smoothie, sauteed it for breakfast with scrambled eggs, and made a tuscan white bean and kale soup! All were very yummy