




Black Italian Cabbage
Inventory, 12 ct : -1.63
This item was last sold on : 02/04/23
Description/Taste
Black Italian cabbage has a thick central stalk and produces long, fat, spear-like leaves that have wrinkled, bubbled surfaces. The dark blue-green leaves will grow up to 46 centimeters long and 11 centimeters at their widest. Young leaves are harvested between 15 and 20 centimeters, when the stalks are still tender. As the leaves mature, they thicken, and stalks become tough. Black Italian cabbage offers a subtle peppery flavor with a tangy bite and sweet aftertaste.
Seasons/Availability
Black Italian cabbage is available year-round with a peak season in the winter months.
Current Facts
Black Italian cabbage, better known as Tuscan or Dinosaur kale, is an Italian variety botanically known as Brassica oleracea var. acephala. It is referred to as Lacinato kale as well as Cavolo Nero, the Italian name which literally translates to “Black cabbage.” The heirloom variety is found in the Tuscan region of Italy and is popular in restaurants in the United Kingdom and the United States.
Nutritional Value
Black Italian cabbage is an excellent source of vitamins K, A, C and B2, manganese and calcium. It’s a great source of iron, folates and dietary fiber. Kale is also a good source of phosphorus, magnesium, copper, B-complex vitamins, zinc and selenium. Black cabbage also contains the phytonutrients quercetin and kaempferol, and flavonoids like lutein, zeaxanthin, and beta carotene which provide beneficial antioxidant properties.
Applications
Black Italian cabbage, or Tuscan kale, is an essential ingredient in the regional dish ribollita, or reboiled winter vegetable stew. It is also used in minestrone. Young, tender leaves are used raw in green or grain salads. They can be used as wrappers for cheese, shrimp or prawn, and risotto. Older leaves may need to have the ribs or central stalk removed due to toughness, otherwise they require longer cooking time. The thick leaves can be sliced or chopped and used as a substitute for romaine in Cesar salad, braised, tossed into pasta dishes, soups, stews, egg dishes or simply sautéed with oil and garlic. It pairs well with beans and pork. Store Black Italian cabbage in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Wrapping the bottoms of the stems in a wet cloth will keep them from drying out.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Brassica oleracea is classified by its many forms and is further diversified into leaves (kale), heads (common or Savoy cabbage), gems (Brussels sprouts), hypertrophied flowers (broccoli and cauliflower), and roots (turnips). Kale, which is part of the acephala group, has two other types in addition to the Black Italian, or Tuscan kale: curly (also known as Scots) and Russian, with fringed, flat, serrated leaves.
Geography/History
Italian cabbage is an international hybrid and a prized Tuscan specialty referred to as "cavolo nero" or black cabbage in English. Abundantly available in Tuscany, black cabbage supplies are very limited in other parts of the world. Italian cuisine especially favors this cabbage in the cold-weather cooking season. A member of the Crucifer or mustard family, cabbage is a prehistoric Mediterranean wild plant. Classified by its many forms, cabbage is diversified into leaves (kale), heads (common or Savoy cabbage), gems (Brussels sprouts), hypertrophied flowers (broccoli and cauliflower), or into roots (turnips).
Featured Restaurants
Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.
Chateau La Jolla | San Diego CA | 858-459-4451 |
Kairoa Brewing Company | San Diego CA | 858-735-0051 |
One Door North | San Diego CA | 858-232-4220 |
Aztec Shop Catering | San Diego CA | 619-594-3576 |
Known Spoilage | ||
Juniper & Ivy | San Diego CA | 858-481-3666 |
Artifact at Mingei | San Diego CA | 619-846-2164 |
InterContinental San Diego | San Diego CA | 619-501-9400 |
Nick & G's Restaurant | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-771-1871 |
Urban Kitchen Catering | San Diego CA | 619-276-8803 |
Viewpoint Brewing Co. | Del Mar CA | 858-205-9835 |
US Grant Hotel Main | San Diego CA | 619-232-3121 |
InterContinental Vistal Kitchen | San Diego CA | 619-501-9400 |
Orens Fine Foods | San Diego CA | 510-910-2298 |
The Lion Share | San Diego CA | 619-564-6924 |
619 Spirits | San Diego CA | 619-647-4409 |
Bread & Cie Café | San Diego CA | 619-683-9322 |
Lodge at Torrey Pines Main | San Diego CA | 858-453-4420 |
Paradisaea Restaurant | La Jolla CA | 732-915-6669 |
Nate's Garden Grill | San Diego CA | 619-607-0117 |
Vino Carta Solana Beach | Encinitas CA | 858-353-2815 |
The Compass | Carlsbad CA | 760-434-1900 |
Fort Oak | San Diego CA | 619-795-6901 |
The Crack Shack-Encinitas | Encinitas CA | 858-735-3093 |
The Glen at Scripps Ranch | San Diego CA | 858-444-8500 |
San Diego Yacht Club | San Diego CA | 619-758-6334 |
Graze | San Diego CA | 619-839-9852 |
Nomad Donuts | San Diego CA | 619-431-5000 |
Maxota Raw | San Diego CA | 201-615-1727 |
Oyster and Pearl Bar Restaurant | La Mesa CA | 619-303-8118 |
Campfire | Carlsbad CA | 760-637-5121 |
Top of the Market | San Diego CA | 619-234-4867 |
Fresco Cocina | Carlsbad CA | 760-720-3737 |
Piatti | San Diego CA | 858-454-1589 |
Sheraton Carlsbad (20/20) | Carlsbad CA | 760-827-2400 |
Herb & Sea | Encinitas CA | 858-587-6601 |
Bellamy's Restaurant | Escondido CA | 760-747-5000 |
Pali Wine Company | San Diego CA | 310-893-0038 |
Bridges at Rancho Santa Fe | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-759-6063 |
Georges at the Cove | San Diego CA | 858-454-4244 |
Blue Ocean | Carlsbad CA | 760-434-4959 |
Il Sogno Italiano | San Diego CA | 619-380-2652 |
Pacifica Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 858-792-0505 |
La Costa Resort & Spa Main Kitchen | Carlsbad CA | 760-930-7063 |
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Black Italian Cabbage. One

Recently Shared
People have shared Black Italian Cabbage 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 28 days ago, 1/08/23 Sharer's comments : Black Kale from JR Organics ![]() ![]()
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United States1929 Hancock St Suite 150 San Diego CA 92110 619-295-3172 https://specialtyproduce.com About 126 days ago, 10/02/22 Sharer's comments : Black Kale from JR Organics ![]() ![]()
Eataly London
Near London, England, United Kingdom135 Bishopsgate, London EC2M 3YD, United Kingdom 0-204-538-0271 https://www.eataly.co.uk/ About 208 days ago, 7/12/22 ![]() ![]()
Tamai Family Farms
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 687 days ago, 3/20/21 |