Kale is vegetable kingdom royalty. The Queen of the Greens reigns supreme for its powerhouse nutrients and how it keeps digestive roads free and clear. The rise in kale’s popularity is hard not to notice. Kale has cookbooks dedicated to it, celebrity endorsements, and is found on menus at high-end restaurants and fast food places.
Turns out, kale is not a fad; it’s here to stay. Here’s why:
Kale Is Nutrient Dense
One cup of chopped raw kale provides more than 100% of the recommended daily amount vitamins A, C, and K. These vitamins boost your immune system, keep your hair and skin looking great, and help keep your heart and bones strong. Kale also has important antioxidants and minerals like calcium, iron, and potassium. Good stuff for the whole family.
Kale is an easy and effective way to add dietary fiber to our diets. There’s no need to have a whole kale salad, just a little added to a salad or side dish can do wonders. Adding fiber reduces the risk of many diseases and keeps your digestive tract on the right track. Fiber also slows digestion which makes you feel full longer so you won’t be tempted to grab junk food.
Kale Smoothies Are Delicious
Raw kale has a slightly bitter flavor that some love, some tolerate for the health benefits, and others can’t get past. With the right smoothie recipe, you won’t ever taste the kale. But, if you just can’t get past the taste, you can add kale powder to your smoothies. This way, you’ll get all the great benefits of kale without the flavor. Either way, you’ll be ready to power through that morning meeting or after-school parent/teacher conference like the superhero you are.
Kale chips are easy to make, great to snack on, and taste delicious with a simple sprinkle of sea salt. For a spicy treat, season with cayenne pepper, or for a protein boost, dip in hummus. To get the kids on board, season with Parmesan cheese or serve with ranch dressing. They won’t even realize they’re eating their veggies.
Cooking With Kale Is Easy
Kale can be steamed, stir-fried, roasted, baked, braised, sautéed, or dehydrated. You can easily add it to soups and stews, turn into pesto for burgers or pasta, mash with potatoes, add to taco meat or mac & cheese, or simply drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice. You can also add to baked goods!
Kale is ready when you are. So, use to kick-start the day, ward off an afternoon slump, or add to your family’s favorite meals.
Your posts make me want to run to the kitchen and start cooking!!!
Yes, Julie is right. Looks so delicious! Plus it’s healthy!
Free Knives?
I love kale. Need to use it more. Thanks for the tips. Want to try the chips!!! 😳
Great article! Thanks for sharing ideas to enjoy kale. I love kale and eat it almost daily. So versatile. And so nice to see Pampered Chef loving it too!