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Grower
Flora Bella Organics | Homepage |
Description/Taste
Red Russian kale grows in a large loose rosette shape that ranges from .3-.5 meters tall. This variety is easily recognized by its richly colored burgundy stems and purple tinted leaves. They are flat and toothed like an oak leaf with an overall dark green color and deep red veins. Red Russian kale offers a mild nutty flavor that is slightly sweet and earthy with a hearty texture. When choosing Red Russian kale look for fresh, bright, firm leaves.
Seasons/Availability
Red Russian kale is available year-round with peak season during fall, winter and early spring.
Current Facts
Red Russian kale or Ragged Jack kale is a subspecies of Brassica oleracea, a cousin to other decorative cabbages and kales. It is a cool weather vegetable that produces more vibrantly colored leaves as the temperature drops. Red Russian kale is an heirloom variety that is grown as a biennial in most climates. Until the end of the Middle Ages, kale was one of the most common green vegetables in all of Europe. It has since become a commonly grown crop world-wide, valued for its rich nutrient supply.
Nutritional Value
An excellent source of vitamin C, Red Russian kale provides iron, vitamin A, calcium, magnesium, potassium, protein, carbohydrates and dietary fiber. One half cup of chopped boiled kale contains about 18 calories.
Applications
No amount of cooking will soften the stems so it is best to use only the leaves. This meaty green compliments rich complex flavors such as grilled pork, pancetta, sausage, garlic, chiles, onions, thyme and caraway. Sautee or braise the mature leaves, or use the new sprouts raw in salads.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
In Scotland, kale provided such substantial part of the traditional diet that the word became synonymous with food in some Scottish dialects. To be "off one's kail" is to feel too ill to eat. In the north-western German towns of Bremen and Oldenburg it is customary to hold a "Grünkohlfahrt" ("kale tour") each January. This involves visiting a country inn to consume large quantities of kale, sausage and schnapps, and even announce a local celebrity as "kale king".
Geography/History
Red Russian kale originated in Siberia prior to 1885 and is considered an heirloom variety. Red Russian kale thrives in moist, well-drained soils with full sun where temperatures do not exceed 80 degrees F.
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Red Russian Kale. One

Kitchenist |
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Squash and Kale Tart |
Kalyn's Kitchen |
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Sausage and Red Russian Kale Soup with Tomatoes, Chickpeas, and Herbs |
Recently Shared
People have shared Red Russian 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.
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Phil & Juany Noble
Near Palm Springs, California, United States951-990-7460 About 251 days ago, 3/30/19 Sharer's comments : Palm Springs Farmers Market ![]() ![]()
Growing Washington
Near Seattle, Washington, United StatesPo Box 30282, Bellingham 98228 About 312 days ago, 1/27/19 Sharer's comments : Red Russian Kale spotted at Ballard Farmer's Market. Lovely, nutritious, tender and beautiful. It's a win-win! Oviedo Farmers Market Near Oviedo, Florida, United States About 580 days ago, 5/05/18 Sanford Farmers Market Near Sanford, Florida, United States About 601 days ago, 4/14/18 Oviedo Farmers Market Near Oviedo, Florida, United States About 608 days ago, 4/07/18 ![]() ![]() About 620 days ago, 3/25/18 Sharer's comments : Red Russian Kale spotted at Brentwood Farmers Market. Stays purple when cooked. Sanford Farmers Market Near Sanford, Florida, United States About 636 days ago, 3/10/18 ![]() ![]()
Milliken Family Farms
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesSanta Barbara 805-259-8100 About 642 days ago, 3/03/18 Sharer's comments : Red Russian Kale spotted at Santa Monica Farmers Market. Beautiful purple kale, 2 types. Oviedo Farmers Market Near Oviedo, Florida, United States About 643 days ago, 3/03/18 |