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Baby Kale

Baby kale refers to the vegetative stage of the kale plant when it is still young, tender, and petite. Often harvested just 20-30 days after planting, it is a nutritious, leafy green vegetable that is part of the Brassica family, which includes other cruciferous veggies like broccoli, cauliflower, and brussels sprouts. Rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals, baby kale provides numerous health benefits while offering a milder, less bitter taste than fully grown kale. Due to its versatility, baby kale can be easily incorporated into a wide range of dishes. It can be enjoyed in salads, smoothies, stir-fries, or simply sautéed with a touch of garlic and olive oil. Unlike mature kale, baby kale requires less cooking time and no need to remove its stems, making it a popular choice for busy home cooks looking to add a nutritious and flavor-packed option to their meals.
#86
IN FRESH VEGETABLES
47
CAL / 100G
$0.60
AVG / OZ
baby kale
58%
CARBS
8%
FAT
33%
PROTEIN
Baby Kale FAQ
Baby kale is a highly versatile and nutritious ingredient used in various dishes. People often wonder about its differences from mature kale and how to best cook with it. Common errors include overcooking and adding baby kale too early in a dish, causing it to become overly wilted and lose some of its nutrients. To get the most out of baby kale, remember that it even though it is much tender and cooks quicker than mature kale, it still stands up well to heat and maintains its shape better than other leafy greens. Because it's more tender, it can be used raw in salads or added in smoothies. A lesser known trick for using baby kale is to massage it with a bit of olive oil and lemon juice; this makes it even more tender and great for raw dishes. Additionally, baby kale's delicate flavor pairs exceptionally well with bold ingredients like garlic, chili flakes, and anchovies.
What is the difference between baby kale and regular kale?
How do I cook baby kale?
Can I replace mature kale with baby kale in recipes?
Can I eat baby kale raw?
What does baby kale taste like?
Why should I massage baby kale?
Can you blend baby kale in smoothies?
Is baby kale as nutritious as regular kale?
Do I need to remove the stems from baby kale before eating?
What should I pair baby kale with?
Expiration & Storage Tips
When does baby kale expire?
Baby kale lasts for about 5-7 days in the fridge if it's fresh and unopened. Once you've opened the package, you should try to consume it in around 3-4 days. When it comes to freezing, baby kale does alright, and can last for up to 6 to 8 months in the freezer, but it will lose some of its texture and flavor over time. Even so, it’s a handy option if you want a supply of leafy greens on hand for green smoothies.
How do you tell if baby kale is bad?
When baby kale goes bad, it usually becomes limp and wilted, losing its vibrant green color. Depending upon how bad it has gotten, you might see some darker or even black spots on the leaves or a slimy texture. And, like other veggies, a foul or off smell is a clear sign that your kale is no longer good to eat.
Tips for storing baby kale to extend shelf life
• Always store baby kale in the fridge. • Keep baby kale in a produce bag and try to keep it a little bit loose to allow some air circulation inside. • Consider placing a paper towel inside the bag to absorb excess moisture. • If you find that your kale is wilting, you can refresh it by placing it in icy water for a few minutes before using. Just make sure it's well-dried before storing again. • If you're freezing your baby kale, try to use it in cooked recipes or smoothies as the texture will change once thawed.
EXPIRES WITHIN
8 - 15
DAYS
Health Info
Macros
5g
CARBS
0g
FAT
3g
PROTEIN
Allowed on these diets
LOW FAT
HIGH CALCIUM
VEGETARIAN
KETO
PALEO
WHOLE 30
MEDITERRANEAN
LOW CARB
VEGAN
LACTOSE FREE
GLUTEN FREE
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