




Black Kale
Inventory, bunch : 0
This item was last sold on : 02/19/23
Food Buzz: History of Kale |
Description/Taste
Large palm tree-like fronds are a characteristic of Black kale. They grow from a sturdy central stalk, and are smallest at the top gradually growing in size towards the base. The crinkly leaves are deeply veined and a dark greenish-purple, almost black color. With a blade-like shape, Black kale leaves are narrower than most other varieties and have a thin tender stem. The chewy texture easily softens when cooked, and offers subtle green cabbage flavor that has a tangy bite with a sweet earthy finish.
Seasons/Availability
Black kale is available year-round with peak season in the winter.
Current Facts
Black kale is botanically classified as Brassica oleracea and may also be commonly referred to as Lacinato kale, Dinosaur kale, Tuscan kale, Italian Black Cabbage or Cavalo Nero. Black kale is a hardy green that is prized as one of the most delicious of all kale varieties, developing a nutty sweetness even when lightly sautéed. It is one of the four types of kale in the species, including: Scotch, Siberian/Russian, Collards and of course Lacinato or Black.
Nutritional Value
Low in calories, Black kale offers vitamin C, folic acid, calcium, and potassium. It is said Black kale stimulates the immune system and can help in preventing certain types of cancer. Juiced Black kale is claimed to be helpful for arthritis, gastric ulcers, depression, and gout.
Applications
Black kale is especially tender when young and often used as a salad green in mesclun mixes. The fully mature leaves are best when cooked, but require minimal cooking when compared to other kale varieties as the central rib not as as fibrous. Black kale may be steamed, braised, stewed, fried, sautéed, juiced and even baked like a chip. It is well complemented by combination of garlic, sesame, soy sauce and ginger. It is also 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
In some herbal and folk medicine practices, the entire kale and Cabbage family is esteemed for its scar-healing, disinfectant, anti-rheumatic, decongestant and anti-diabetic powers. The blanched leaves of kale can be applied topically to burns or irritated skin for relief.
Geography/History
Black kale is an international hybrid and a prized Tuscan specialty native to the Mediterranean region. Rarely found growing in the wild, today it is cultivated world-wide and yields the sweetest of crops after the first frost. It tolerates full sun, but is best when grown in partial shade in fertile soils with good drainage.
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Black Kale. One

Recently Shared
People have shared Black Kale using the Specialty Produce app for iPhone and Android.
Produce Sharing 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.
![]() ![]()
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United States1929 Hancock St Suite 150 San Diego CA 92110 619-295-3172 https://specialtyproduce.com About 26 days ago, 5/06/23 Sharer's comments : Black Kale from JR Organics ![]() About 46 days ago, 4/16/23 Sharer's comments : Chavez Farms ![]() ![]()
Mercato del Capo
Near Palermo, Palermo, ItalyVia Cappuccinelle, ., 90138 Palermo PA About 103 days ago, 2/18/23 ![]() About 117 days ago, 2/04/23 Sharer's comments : Farmers Market day in Berlin Germany ![]() About 123 days ago, 1/29/23 Sharer's comments : at The Morning Star Ranch ![]() ![]()
Tamai Family Farms
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 138 days ago, 1/14/23 Sharer's comments : Black Kale from Tamai Family Farms ![]() ![]()
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United States1929 Hancock St Suite 150 San Diego CA 92110 619-295-3172 https://specialtyproduce.com About 319 days ago, 7/17/22 Sharer's comments : Black Kale from JR Organics ![]() ![]()
Antonio Buenrostro Produce Farms
Near Fairbanks Ranch, California, United States2735 Madision St, Riverside, CA About 326 days ago, 7/10/22 ![]() ![]()
Antonio Buenrostro Produce Farms
Near Del Mar, California, United States2735 Madision St, Riverside, CA About 341 days ago, 6/25/22 ![]() ![]() About 375 days ago, 5/22/22 Sharer's comments : Black Kale from Tamai Family Farms ![]() ![]() About 418 days ago, 4/09/22 ![]() ![]() About 467 days ago, 2/19/22 ![]() ![]()
Market at Piazza Campo de'Fiori
Near Rome, Rome, ItalyPiazza Campo de' Fiori, 33, 00186 Roma RM, Italy 393258292602 About 469 days ago, 2/17/22 ![]() ![]()
Solutions Farms
Near Del Mar, California, United StatesVista, CA About 495 days ago, 1/22/22 ![]() ![]() About 508 days ago, 1/09/22 Sharer's comments : Black Kale from Tamai Family Farms ![]() ![]() About 515 days ago, 1/02/22 Sharer's comments : Black Kale from Tamai Family Farms ![]() ![]() About 543 days ago, 12/05/21 Sharer's comments : Black Kale from Tamai Family Farms ![]() ![]() About 564 days ago, 11/14/21 Sharer's comments : Black Kale from Tamai Family Farms ![]() ![]()
Antonio & Guillermo Farm
Near Del Mar, California, United StatesRiverside, CA 951-454-6476 About 572 days ago, 11/06/21 ![]() ![]()
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United States1929 Hancock Street Suite 150 619-295-3172 About 581 days ago, 10/28/21 Sharer's comments : Black Kale from Tamai Family Farms ![]() ![]() About 592 days ago, 10/17/21 Sharer's comments : Black Kale from Tamai Family Farms ![]() ![]() About 611 days ago, 9/28/21 ![]() ![]() About 619 days ago, 9/20/21 Sharer's comments : Black kale from Tamai Family Farms ![]() ![]()
Rudy's Produce
Near Escondido, California, United StatesHighland, CA About 624 days ago, 9/14/21 ![]() ![]()
SpecialtyProduce
Near San Diego, California, United States1929 Hancock street San Diego CA 92110 619-295-3172 About 657 days ago, 8/13/21 Sharer's comments : Black kale ![]() ![]()
SpecialtyProduce
Near San Diego, California, United States1929 Hancock street San Diego CA 92110 619-295-3172 About 704 days ago, 6/27/21 Sharer's comments : Black kale from Gloria tamai family farm |