Kale varieties, as seen by chefs...

[Chacha Sikes]

Anthony,

I am writing a blog post about Data Captains, and I am curious about your culinary feelings about the varieties of Kale.

In our panel, you mentioned that Calvolo Nero kale is totally different from other kales. 

You were saying that in searching for recipes, you want recipes for cavolo nero -- do you have examples?

What kinds of distinctions matter for you, as a chef. Texture, taste, heritage?

Nutrition? -- ex. iceberg lettuce vs. red leaf, or even some organic vegetables vs. conventional (link) -- however the care and growing methods can effect the food in addition to the variety. If plants are picked early, if the nutrient content in the soil is not high, if grown for size over density of flavor...

- Chach

[Bob Haugen]

I am not a chef, but this URL says that Cavolo Nero is the same thing
as what they call Lacinato or Elephant Kale around us (in Wisconsin).
http://www.growitalian.com/cavolo-nero-kale-aka-lacinato/

Over the last couple of years, it has become the most popular kale
around here, both for restaurants and consumers. Some farmers who
grew russian kale last year found that nobody wanted to buy it any
more.

It is the only kale we grow as gardeners anymore, and for us the
advantages include:
+ slower bolting (the stuff produces all year long, even when it's
hot), whereas the other kales bolt;
+ more tender (the other kales are tougher);
+ better tasting.

The minus is somewhat lower productivity in the peak growing season,
mostly because the leaves are narrower.

[Anthony Nicalo]

Hey Chacha, 

Bob makes good points here. I've also seen Cavolo Nero referred to as Tuscan Kale and sometimes Black Kale. 

Flavour is the most important- with texture being an element of flavour. Heritage gives it some context and helps me understand how it may have been used in the past, what techniques it makes sense to apply, etc. Essentially, heritage creates a sense of what is possible.

--
- Anthony Nicalo

CEO | co-founder | chef

Foodtree 

Twitter: http://twitter.com/tonynicalo