Kale has become a staple in health-conscious kitchens around the world, thanks to its impressive nutritional profile and culinary versatility. As a member of the Brassica family, kale is available in various types, each offering distinct flavors, textures, and uses in cooking. For instance, curly kale, known for its ruffled leaves, provides a robust crunch that works wonderfully in salads and as a garnish. In contrast, lacinato kale, often referred to as dinosaur kale, boasts dark, flat leaves with a slightly sweeter flavor, making it ideal for sautéing or adding to soups.

Furthermore, ornamental kale adds a decorative touch to gardens and plates alike, featuring vibrant hues that brighten up any dish. In this blog post, we will dive into the most popular types of kale, examining their unique characteristics, nutritional benefits, and culinary applications. Whether you are an avid kale lover or simply curious about incorporating this superfood into your meals, join us as we uncover the diverse world of kale and discover the perfect variety for your cooking adventures!

The Rich History and Varieties of Kale

Kale, belonging to the Brassica oleracea species, has a fascinating history that spans thousands of years. It originated in the eastern Mediterranean and Asia Minor, and over time, it traversed continents and cultures, integrating into various cuisines worldwide. Today, kale flourishes in diverse climates, with popular varieties such as curly kale, Lacinato (or Tuscan) kale, and Red Russian kale, each offering its unique flavor profile and texture.

15 Most Popular Types of Kale

Kale, a leafy green vegetable within the Brassica oleracea species—also including broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and cabbage—features several varieties, each with distinctive characteristics. Here are some common types of kale:

1. Common Curly Kale 

   Common curly kale, the most prevalent type found in grocery stores, showcases pale to dark green, curly leaves with a slightly bitter flavor. Typically, it is sold as loose leaves bound together.

2. Lacinato Kale (Dinosaur Kale or Tuscan Kale) 

   Lacinato kale, an Italian variety cultivated by Thomas Jefferson at Monticello, features dark blue-green, long, narrow leaves. With a slightly wrinkled texture, it offers a sweeter taste than curly kale and is frequently used in Italian dishes such as soups, stews, and pasta.

3. Red Russian Kale (Ragged Jack) 

   This heirloom variety resembles overgrown oak leaves, with colors ranging from blue-green to purple-red. Red Russian kale presents flat, fringed bluish-green leaves with red veins, delivering a milder flavor. It is often featured in salads and smoothies.

4. Siberian Kale 

   Known for its cold-hardiness, Siberian kale boasts broad, flat, blue-green leaves with purple veins. It can withstand colder temperatures, making it a popular choice for winter gardening. This variety is best when cooked and is often used in sautés.

5. Premier Kale 

   Premier kale, with its dark green, curly leaves similar to curly kale, is appreciated for its tender texture and milder flavor, making it a versatile option for both salads and cooked dishes.

6. Redbor Kale 

  Redbor kale, a striking 3-foot-tall hybrid, serves both ornamental and edible purposes. Its curly, purple-red leaves deepen in color as they mature, adding a vibrant touch to salads and stir-fries.

7. Ornamental Kale (Salad Savoy) 

   This vibrant variety, characterized by its frilly and fluffy appearance in shades of white, pink, purple, and magenta, often graces buffet tables. Although its leaves are slightly coarse, they are edible and can enhance the color and texture of dishes.

8. Chinese Kale 

   Chinese kale, rich in calcium, iron, and vitamins A and C, serves as an excellent substitute for broccoli in various recipes. It is commonly used in stir-fry dishes and can also be steamed or boiled.

9. Winterbor Kale 

   Winterbor kale, a favored curly variety, is esteemed by both commercial growers and home gardeners for its exceptional cold resistance. With curly bluish-green leaves, it can reach heights of up to 3 feet (91 cm). It can be enjoyed raw or used in soups, stir-fries, chips, or smoothies.

10. Scarlet Kale 

    Scarlet kale stands out with its stunning purple leaves and stalks, which become more vibrant at lower temperatures. It can grow up to 3 feet (91 cm) tall and is suitable for raw consumption or incorporation into salads, soups, and grain dishes.

11. Darkibor Kale 

    Darkibor, a curly kale variant, features deeply hued green foliage and tightly curled leaves. These robust plants can grow up to 20 inches (51 cm) tall and thrive in various weather conditions. They are ideal for crafting kale chips or enhancing stir-fries and soups, while the younger, tender leaves are perfect for salads.

12. Beira Kale 

    Beira, a unique variety from Portugal, also known as Portuguese cabbage or sea kale, showcases undulating green leaves frequently used in traditional Portuguese kale soup. The thick stems of Beira kale can be peeled and consumed like celery stalks, and these plants typically reach about 2 feet (61 cm) in height.

13. Japanese Flowering Kale 

    Possibly the most visually striking variety, Japanese flowering kale features a rosette shape with a fuchsia center surrounded by green outer leaves and frilly foliage. Known as habotan in Japan, it adds color to gardens during cooler seasons. While celebrated for its ornamental value, it is also edible, offering a sweet flavor enjoyed both raw and cooked.

14. Walking Stick Kale 

    Known by various names, including walking cabbage, cow cabbage, Jersey cabbage, and tall jacks, walking stick kale has been cultivated in Europe for centuries. This colossal leafy vegetable can reach heights of up to 12 feet (3.6 meters). Many prefer the tender younger leaves, while older, sturdier leaves often serve as nutritious animal fodder.

15. Thousandhead Kale  

    Although technically not classified as kale, Thousandhead kale, originating from France, deserves mention. Commonly called “branching borecole,” this remarkable ancient crop can reach up to 6 feet (1.8 meters) tall, featuring massive leaves up to 3 feet (91 cm) long. The lightly curled tips of its leaves help growers detect pests like caterpillars. Its larger leaves can be sautéed for soups, while younger, more tender leaves are delightful in salads.

These examples highlight just a few of the many kale varieties available. Each type presents its own unique flavor and texture, allowing for exploration of diverse culinary possibilities while enjoying the numerous health benefits kale provides.

Reference

1. The Ultimate Guide to Different Types of Kale and How to Use Them. Amy Sowder. August 23, 2021. https://greatist.com/eat/ultimate-guide-to-the-different-kale-types-and-how-to-use-them
2. 4 Different Types of Kale and How to Use Each. Novella Lui. June 13, 2023. https://www.allrecipes.com/types-of-kale-7532278
3. 10 Delicious Types of Kale. Kathy W. Warwick and Jillian Kubala. May 19, 2022. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/types-of-kale.
4. 13 Different Types of Kale Explained.  Lucia Capretti. JAN. 23, 2023. https://www.tastingtable.com/791879/different-types-of-kale-explained/