Know Your Food: Red Russian Kale

Though it may be inevitable in today’s food-trend-centric market to avoid that hardy, chewy, dark leafy green known as kale, there are so many varieties that it’s likely you have not seen them all. Red Russian kale, also known as Ragged Jack kale, is an heirloom variety thought to have been brought to Canada from Siberia by Russian traders circa 1885. Like most varieties of kale, it’s a hardy, green plant. Unlike other varieties of kale, it has a purple stem and wispy, oak-like leaves—that happen to turn purple, and get sweeter, in cold weather.
Know Your Food: Red Russian Kale
How is Red Russian Kale good for your health?
Kale packed with phytonutrients, including kaempferol and quercetin—both known to be antioxidants and be anti-inflammatory—and it often considered one of the most nutrient dense foods. Omega-3 fatty acids are also found in kale, and are known to help with brain and cardiovascular function.

Why should you buy Red Russian Kale from an eco/local farm?
Red Russian Kale is an heirloom variety of kale, and is unavailable in most grocery stores. Meaning that, rather than be the same kind of kale that is mass-planted for the average supermarket, it has a unique set of genes. By supporting the cultivation of unique heirloom varieties, you are supporting plant diversity, a significant issue facing the food industry today as a result of the commonly practiced, large-scale monocultures.

How can I use Red Russian Kale in my home?
Red Russian kale is great in salads; try washing and massaging the leaves first to soften the texture. It can be prepared in any way imaginable—steamed, blanched, braised, or sautéed! It also adds an excellent texture and nice complexity to soups and stews. Note that typically the stem is too hard to eat.

Where can I find Red Russian Kale?
Red Russian Kale is an heirloom variety of kale, and is unavailable in most grocery stores. 1000ecofarms.com has several farms across the country offering Red Russian Kale, for example Meadowview Farm in Kentucky, and others. Or look for it at a farmer's market near you!

What do you think? Have you had this variety of kale? Tell us how you prepare kale in your home!
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