Kale is fast becoming recognized as one of the new “Super Foods,” together with sprouting broccoli. Interest in supplying kale to various markets in South Africa is growing at a rapid rate, and Hygrotech is pleased to announce that we are now offering a range of kale varieties to the South African market and growers.
Health Aspects
Kale contains more than 1,000 percent of the recommended daily intake of vitamin K, 98 percent of vitamin A, and 71 percent of vitamin C – that’s more than an orange! Kale is also a great source of calcium, magnesium, iron, and antioxidants, and has a good balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which are necessary for heart health.
Red kale varieties are also very high in anthocyanins. Anthocyanins are a type of flavonoid, a class of compounds with antioxidant effects. Found naturally in a number of foods, anthocyanins are the pigments that give red, purple, and blue plants their rich coloring. In addition to acting as antioxidants and fighting free radicals, anthocyanins may offer anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, and anti-cancer benefits.
Kale is associated with many health benefits, from having a high nutrient profile to helping manage diabetes, weight, and cholesterol, as well as supporting heart, brain, and bone health. Kale is also well known for its role in cancer prevention.
Cavolo Nero (Black Kale)
Cavolo Nero is also known as black kale, black cabbage, Tuscan kale, or by its Italian names Lacinato and Nero di Toscana. With its distinctive long, dark green, almost black leaves, Cavolo Nero originates from the fields of Tuscany, where it is believed to have first been grown in 600 BC. Generations of Italians have appreciated the delights of Cavolo Nero, and now South Africans are catching on to its benefits too.
Many traditional Italian and Portuguese dishes are made with kale, from soups through to main meals. Cavolo Nero is an extremely versatile vegetable with a marvelous, rich, intense, and slightly sweet flavor, which means it can be used in a number of different ways. It is great in hearty meals like minestrone soup, but is also delicious in lighter dishes such as salads.
Southern Blue F1 (Curly Kale)
Southern Blue is a dwarf, blue-green curly kale type that is fast becoming our leading variety. It complements salads and is excellent when steamed. This variety is also tolerant of cold weather.
Written by: Michael Pinto & Robert Young.
Product Manager: Michael Pinto.
