Kale: One Superfood

 

Full of nutrients, rich in flavor and versatile in how it is prepared, Kale is a winner in the kitchen.  Chefs everywhere consider Kale to be a Superfood that shouldn’t be skipped. Kale can find its way to your table in no time at all, with simple cooking methods to make it a family favorite!

 

 Kale contains betacarotene and antioxidants, and is boosting with vitamins.  In fact one cup of kale contains 36 calories, 5 grams of fiber, 15% of the daily requirement of calcium and vitamin B6, 40 % of magnesium, 180% of vitamin A, 200% of vitamin C and 1,020% of vitamin K.  It also contains copper, potassium, iron, manganese and phosphorus.  This superfood has been shown to have anti-cancer properties and can help to lower cholesterol as well. 

 

 Kale is one vegetable that can remain an integral part of your diet all year through as it actually thrives in cooler weather.  The freshest kale will have firm dark colored leaves and hardy stems.

 

 Now that you understand its health benefits, where can kale fit at your table?  Well for starters you can use kale as your leafy green when tossing a salad. Replace romaine or spinach for kale leaves for a change of pace.  Toss kale into your favorite pasta dish such as penne with kale and white beans, or cold pasta salad with feta and kale.   Perhaps you want to make a soup, to simmer with your carrots, onions and chicken, nothing is better than kale.  Kale sauteed with garlic can be a great side dish to accompany steak or fish for great color and taste. 

 

 Looking for another way to have your family fall in love with kale? Then look no further than these great recipes to make kale your kids new favorite food.  No one will ever guess it is kale that gives this smoothie its great color and taste.  Throw some kale, ice, water or soy milk and a frozen banana in the blender for a creamy smoothie that tastes delicious.  

 

 Or better yet kale chips will have your family munching on good taste and good nutrition.  It is as easy as spreading out cleaned kale leaves on a baking sheet, sprinkling with olive oil and cooking for 5 minutes, then toss and bake for another 5 minutes at 350 degrees.  When done sprinkle with sea salt and serve for a sure fire crunchy hit!

 

 It is no wonder that chefs everywhere are touting kale as a superfood that makes the grade. Both it’s nutrition and its flavor get an A plus!  Try it for yourself and no doubt it’ll find its way into your shopping cart week after week.