Red Russian Kale is available throughout the year and its peak is in cool-season, in fall, winter, and early spring. The cooler the temperature, the more colorful the vegetable it is.
They are easily acknowledgeable with purple leaves and stems that are rich in color.
Red Russian Kale is usually grown only for its leaves as the stems don’t get softer as they’re being cooked.
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Brassicales
Family: Brassicaceae
Genus: Brassica
Species: B. oleracea
Binomial name: Brassica oleracea var. Acephala
Red Russian Kale Trivia
- Red Russian Kale is also known as Ragged Jack Kale.
- “Grünkohlfahrt”, or “Kale tour” occurs in Oldenburg and Bremen every year in January. Each year they announce “Kale King”.
- Kale was one of the most usual vegetables until the end of the Middle Ages in Europe.
Red Russian Kale Buying Guide
Look for purple leaves with stems that are rich in color. The stems should look fresh and the leaves should be firm and bright.
Avoid leaves that are wilted, with blemishes, or with holes in them.
You will find most of them in farmer’s markets.
Red Russian Kale Production & Farming in Texas
Texas was one of the highest producing states for Kale in 2012. The state placed fourth, just behind New Jersey, and California was first. From 2007 until 2012, the production of Kale increased by about sixty percent.
Kale is relatively not that different to grow than other greens so it’s not that difficult for growers to integrate into their farms.
Pesticides
Kale is generally a vegetable with one of the highest amounts of pesticide residues. It ranked on a list among fruits and vegetables with the most pesticides. So, your best bet is to buy these vegetables as organic.
Geography
The vegetable originated in Siberia before the year 1885.
Red Russian Kale flourishes in full sun, in moist and well-drained soil.
Packaging
Any types of greens are usually packaged to stores in large wooden boxes where they’re sold either in plastic bags or tied to their stems and sold just like that.
Enjoying Red Russian Kales
The best way to eat them is just to use the leaves, because, as I’ve said, there’s not enough cooking in this world to soften the stems.
This delicious vegetable pairs well with some other ingredients onions, garlic, pork, sausage, and chiles.
Use the young leaves raw in salads and saute or braise the ripe leaves.
Storage
It’s very important to avoid unnecessary moisture when storing them. So the first step is to wrap them in paper towels before putting them in a plastic bag. Afterward, place them in the crisper drawer of the refrigerator and they can store up to several days.
Cooking
Red Russian Kale with Garlic and Lemon is an interesting way to try this vegetable and it’s not that hard to prepare it.
Use a skillet and heat the olive oil on medium heat. Throw in the garlic and saute until fragrant. Throw in the Kale and stir until the vegetable is fully covered with oil. Cover and cook until the vegetable is soft and tender. Season with salt and pepper and drizzle with lemon zest. Serve and enjoy.
Nutrition
These vegetables provide a couple of health benefits. They may improve your eye health and immune system.
They are also a great source of:
- Vitamins A, C & K
- Folate
- Calcium
- Magnesium
When Are Red Russian Kale in Season in Texas?
To find out when Red Russian Kale are in season in Texas, please check the seasonal chart below. Why is this important? We are rarely encouraged to think about the physical lengths our food travels before arriving on the market shelves. And all of this travel comes with a hefty environmental cost that is concealed from the consumer’s eye. One of the most salient benefits to eating seasonally is that you are effectively reducing your carbon footprint and supporting a more geographically sustainable food economy. Check other fruit and veg that’s in season in Texas now.
