Black Italian Cabbage
Estimated Inventory, 12 ct : 10.67
This item was last sold on : 07/10/25
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.
| Shore Rider | La Jolla CA | 858-412-5308 |
| The Kitchen at MCASD | La Jolla CA | 619-880-8719 |
| Solare Ristorante Lounge | San Diego CA | 619-270-9670 |
| Great Maple Hillcrest | San Diego CA | 619-255-2282 |
| Solterra Winery + Kitchen | Encinitas CA | 858-245-6146 |
| Artifact at Mingei | San Diego CA | 619-846-2164 |
| Green Acres Campus | San Diego CA | 858-450-9907 |
| Mission Bay Beach Club | San Diego CA | 858-201-7551 |
| University Club | San Diego CA | 619-234-5200 |
| Savory Moment (1) | Carlsbad CA | 619-633-8863 |
| Luce | San Diego CA | 619-275-2094 |
| Southwestern Yacht Club | San Diego CA | 619-222-0438 |
| Wolf In the Woods | San Diego CA | 619-851-7275 |
| Rancho Santa Fe Golf Club | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-756-1582 |
| Wildflour | San Diego CA | 619-289-9240 |
| Blue Ocean | Carlsbad CA | 760-434-4959 |
| C 2 C | San Diego CA | 619-972-9345 |
| Shoreside Support Boat | San Diego CA | 704-277-7929 |
| Cal A Vie | Vista CA | 760-945-2055 |
| Fresco Cocina | Carlsbad CA | 760-720-3737 |
| Daffodil Cafe | San Diego CA | 858-461-7788 |
| Seneca | San Diego CA | 619-588-2411 |
| Higher Grounds Coffee + Cafe | San Diego CA | 831-247-5395 |
| Farmer and The Seahorse | San Diego CA | 619-302-3682 |
| Mia's | Carlsbad CA | 909-521-8239 |
| Duke's La Jolla | La Jolla CA | 858-454-1999 |
| Gold Finch | San Diego CA | 619-804-2051 |
| The Remy | San Diego CA | 619-886-1358 |
| Estancia Adobe | San Diego CA | 858-550-1000 |
| Urban Kitchen Catering | San Diego CA | 619-276-8803 |
| Carte Hotel | San Diego CA | 619-365-1858 |
| Nate's Garden Grill | San Diego CA | 619-607-0117 |
| Chateau La Jolla | San Diego CA | 858-459-4451 |
| Stake Chophouse & Bar | Coronado CA | 619-522-0077 |
| Vertex - Merryfield Row | San Diego CA | 619-405-8950 |
| Convention Center Shell | San Diego CA | 619-954-3063 |
| Madi | San Diego CA | 320-491-1217 |
| La Costa Resort & Spa Main Kitchen | Carlsbad CA | 760-930-7063 |
| Village Vino | San Diego CA | 619-546-8466 |
| Paradise Point Resort Tidal | San Diego CA | 858-490-6363 |
| Herb & Sea | Encinitas CA | 858-587-6601 |
| The Glen at Scripps Ranch | San Diego CA | 858-444-8500 |
| Wayfarer Bread | La Jolla CA | 805-709-0964 |
| Alila Marea Beach Resort | Encinitas CA | 805-539-9719 |
| Toast Catering | San Diego CA | 619-795-9135 |
| The Santaluz Club Inc - Bistro Kitchen | San Diego CA | 858-759-3150 |
| Continental Catering Inc | La Mesa CA | 907-738-9264 |
| US Grant Hotel Grill | San Diego CA | 619-232-3121 |
| The Shout House | San Diego CA | 619-231-6700 |
| Il Sogno Italiano | San Diego CA | 619-380-2652 |
| PFC Fitness Camp | Carlsbad CA | 888-488-8936 |
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Black Italian Cabbage. One
is easiest, three is harder.
