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Ramps
The wild ramp, AKA wild leek, botanical name Allium tricoccum, is a flowering perennial plant that grows in clusters. It is a member of the Allium family along with onions and leeks
Calamondin Limes
The Calamondin lime is a cross between a sour, loose skinned mandarin and a kumquat, therefore technically making it an orangequat.
Salanova Lettuces
Salanova® lettuce is a full-sized variety developed for the baby lettuce market. Botanically these varieties are scientifically known as Lactuca sativa.
Description/Taste
Purple kale produces serrated and ruffled vibrant purple leaves that are variegated in shades of dusty green. This attractive vegetable offers a very robust cabbage flavor more intense than that of green or black kale. Its leaves have a chewy semi-crisp texture that softens with cooking, but the fibrous stems remain tough and should be removed.
Seasons/Availability
Purple kale is available year-round with a peak season during winter.
Current Facts
Purple kale is a variety of Brassica oleracea that is not only grown for culinary use, but also for its ornamental value. It is cultivated from a dwarf variety of Scotch kale and looks like a giant ruffled flower. Other colored kale varieties include, Red Russian and Redbor, both of which have less of the bicolored green variegation.
Nutritional Value
Purple kale is an excellent source of vitamins A and C, iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium, protein, carbohydrates and dietary fiber.
Applications
When harvested young, the tender Purple kale greens are a great intense addition to mixed green salads. They are great carriers for peanuts, almonds, tamari, chiles and other Asian ingredients like sesame oil and ginger. The fully mature leaves lose some color when cooked, but may be steamed, braised, stewed, fried, sauteed, and even baked like a chip. They are great in hardy soups which contain smoked meats, potatoes, beans or barley. Other flavor affinities include, bay leaf, oregano, thyme, red pepper flake, nutmeg, shallots, onion, tomato, sweet potatoes, cheddar cheese, Parmesan, cream, roasted meats, chorizo sausage, pancetta and chicken.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Since kale survives well in cold climates, it is a favorite mealtime entree served in Scandinavia, Germany, Holland and Scotland. It is also popular in a Portuguese soup titled caldo verde, a hearty broth of potatoes, savories and sausage.
Geography/History
Decorative and delicious, Purple kale will grow in warmer climates, though cooler weather suits this flowering kale much better. It isn't quite as cold hardy as common green kale, but thrives in fertile, well-drained soils. Commercial kale crops are harvested between forty and fifty-five days after planting with new plantings every two weeks in order to provide year round supplies. A cool weather annual, Purple kale's cold-hardy personality makes its flavor even sweeter after a light frost.
Featured Restaurants
Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.
| Catamaran | San Diego CA | 858-488-1081 |
| Volcano Rabbit | San Diego CA | 619-232-8226 |
| Extraordinary Desserts Union St. | San Diego CA | 619-294-7001 |
| Crust Pizzeria Solana Beach | Solana Beach CA | 858-356-9925 |
| Bali Hai Restaurant | San Diego CA | 619-222-1181 |
| Tribute Pizza | San Diego CA | 858-220-0030 |
| Crab Catcher La Jolla | San Diego CA | 858-454-9587 |
| Absolution by the Sea | La Jolla CA | 760-504-6075 |
| Florent | San Diego CA | 619-308-6500 |
| Nick & G's Restaurant | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-771-1871 |
| Dominic's Table | La Jolla CA | 858-352-6811 |
| Georges at the Cove | San Diego CA | 858-454-4244 |
| Bahia Resort Hotel | San Diego CA | 858-488-0551 |
| Larry's Deli | San Diego CA | 619-795-7100 |
| Ballast Point Restaurant - Miramar | San Diego CA | 858-790-6900 |
| Bite SD | San Diego CA | 410-446-3404 |
| The Flavor Chef (Catering) | Vista CA | 619-295-3172 |
| Backyard Kitchen & Tap | San Diego CA | 619-308-6500 |
| Point Loma Seafood | San Diego CA | 619-223-1109 |
| Barrio Star | San Diego CA | 619-501-7827 |
| Maretalia Ristorante | Coronado CA | 619-522-6890 |
| La Costa Resort & Spa Main Kitchen | Carlsbad CA | 760-930-7063 |
| Cape Rey Carlsbad, a Hilton Resort | Carlsbad CA | 760-602-0800 |
| Soda & Swine Liberty Station | San Diego CA | 619-501-9989 |
| Handlery Hotel & Resort | San Diego CA | 619-298-0511 |
| US Grant Hotel Grill | San Diego CA | 619-232-3121 |
| Soda & Swine Liberty Station (Bar) | San Diego CA | 619-501-9989 |
| Terra Restaurant | San Diego CA | 619-293-7088 |
| The Pearl Hotel | San Diego CA | 877-732-7573 |
| Root Cellar Catering Co. | San Diego CA | 760-846-2092 |
| Kettner Exchange | San Diego CA | 312-415-5455 |
| American Junkie | San Diego CA | 760-419-2891 |
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Kale Purple. One
is easiest, three is harder.Recently Spotted
People have spotted Kale Purple using the Specialty Produce app for iPhone and Android.
Produce Spotting allows you to share your produce discoveries with your neighbors and the world! Is your market carrying green dragon apples? Is a chef doing things with shaved fennel that are out of this world? Pinpoint your location annonymously through the Specialty Produce App and let others know about unique flavors that are around them.
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First Alternative Natural Foods Co-Op
Near Corvallis, Oregon, United States About 93 days ago, 4/17/18 Spotter's comments : Purple Kale spotted at First Alternative Natural Foods Co-Op. 
Brentwood Farmers Market
Frecker Farms
Near Sawtelle, California, United StatesCarpinteria, CA 805-455-2033 About 102 days ago, 4/08/18 Spotter's comments : Purple Kale spotted at Brentwood Farmers Market. Bright! Kroger Steubenville OH Near Wellsburg, West Virginia, United States About 116 days ago, 3/25/18 18 Anhalt Road Near Kirtlington, United Kingdom About 266 days ago, 10/26/17 First Alternative Natural Foods Co-Op Near Corvallis, Oregon, United States About 275 days ago, 10/17/17 Spotter's comments : Purple Kale spotted at First Alternative Natural Foods Co-Op. roast Near New York, United States About 633 days ago, 10/24/16 |
