Discover the Nutritional Powerhouse of Lacinato Kale

Lacinato kale is a nutritional powerhouse that offers many health benefits. This variety of kale is different from regular kale because it has a long tradition in Italian cuisine, especially that of Tuscany.
Organic Green Lacinato Kale
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It is also known as Tuscan kale, Italian kale, dinosaur kale, kale, flat-back kale, palm tree kale, or black Tuscan palm.

Lacinato kale is a great source of fiber, vitamins A, C, and K, and minerals like potassium and calcium. It’s also low in calories and contains no cholesterol. lacinato kale can help boost your immune system, improve digestion, and protect against cancer. So if you’re looking for a healthy green vegetable to add to your diet, be sure to give lacinato kale a try!

If you’re looking for a nutritional powerhouse, look no further than lacinato kale. This leafy green is packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can help keep your body healthy.

What’s more, lacinato kale is different from other types of kale in that it has a long tradition in Italian cuisine. If you’re looking to add some healthy variety to your meals, lacinato kale is a great choice!

What is Lacinato Kale?

Lacinato Kale

Lacinato kale, also known as Tuscan kale, Italian kale, dinosaur kale, or black Tuscan palm, is a variety of kale that has been a staple in the Italian cuisine for many years. Compared to other types of kale, lacinato kale is long and narrow, with dark green leaves that are slightly frilled along the edges.

It is also known for its rich flavor and slightly chewy texture, making it a versatile ingredient that can be used in everything from salads to soups to stews. I personally like to cook it with some extra virgin olive oil, garlic, and red pepper flakes which gives lacinato kale a delicious, savory flavor.

Bumpy Leaves

Cavolo nero black kale

Though it may look unusual, this black kale is one of the most nutrient-dense vegetables you can find. The Lacinato kale variety in particular contains high levels of vitamins A and C, as well as free radical-fighting antioxidants that help maintain your body’s health.

The tender greens have a high concentration of calcium, which makes lacinato kale an especially great choice for many dishes. Be sure not to cook it too long, though, as this can destroy some of its nutrients.

Whether you use lacinato kale in a salad, a soup, or just by itself as a healthy side dish, it’s a great way to add some variety and nutrition to your meal! So if you’re looking for a nutrient-dense cold hardy vegetable that’s packed with vitamins and antioxidants, lacinato kale is a must-try. Give it a try today and see for yourself just how healthy this leafy green can be.

Why Is Lacinato Kale So Healthy?

Lacinato kale in basket

Lacinato kale is packed with important vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that keep your body healthy. For example, it is an excellent source of vitamin A, which helps support vision health and keeps the skin healthy and glowing.

Lacinato kale is also high in vitamin C, which aids in immune system function and protects against harmful free radicals that can cause cell damage. Additionally, lacinato kale contains calcium and iron, both of which are essential for strong bones and for preventing anemia.

Delicious Greens

Organic Green Lacinato Kale

This leafy green is also a delicious addition to any meal. Whether you’re looking to incorporate lacinato kale into your favorite salad recipe or you want to try cooking with it for the first time, this versatile vegetable is a great choice that will help keep you healthy and energized. So the next time you’re at the grocery store, be sure to pick up some lacinato kale and start enjoying all of its nutritional benefits!

Lacinato kale can be used in recipes

Woman cooking kale. Healthy eating

Lacinato kale is a versatile vegetable that can be added to your favorite recipes for a delicious and nutritious twist. You can add lacinato kale to salads, soups, stews, smoothies, or stir-fries for a boost of healthy vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. With lacinato kale in your kitchen, there’s no limit to the healthy meals you can create! So why not start experimenting with lacinato kale today? You’ll be glad you did!

Interesting Facts About Lacinato Kale

Heap of fresh picked cavolo nero leaves

lacinato kale is a long-standing favorite in Italian cuisine, especially that of Tuscany.

lacinato kale is also known as Tuscan kale, Italian kale, dinosaur kale, or black Tuscan palm.

lacinato kale contains important vitamins and minerals like vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron that help support the health of your body.

Dinosaur Kale Chips

Kale chips
Kale chips

Fun for the whole family, this lacinato kale chip recipe is a delicious, healthy alternative to potato chips. We like to call it Dinosaur skin! It has become one of our favorite cooked dishes.

Ingredients:

  • 2 bunches lacinato kale, washed and dried
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • ½ tsp sea salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 275 degrees F.

2. Lay the lacinato kale leaves in a single layer on 2 baking sheets.

3. Drizzle the olive oil over the lacinato kale and sprinkle with salt.

4. Place the baking sheets in the oven and bake for about 15 minutes, or until the lacinato kale chips are crisp but not burnt.

5. Enjoy your delicious lacinato kale chips as a healthy snack any time of the day!

Kale Salad with Lacinato Kale

Ginger Maine coon cat sitting on the table between green kale salad and spinach leaves next to girl
Ginger Maine coon cat sitting on the table between green kale salad and spinach leaves next to girl

Looking for a healthy and delicious salad to add to your weekly meal rotation? Look no further than this lacinato kale salad. It’s packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that help keep your body healthy while also tasting absolutely amazing.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups lacinato kale, washed and chopped
  • 1 cup cooked chickpeas
  • ¼ cup slivered almonds
  • 1 small red onion, sliced
  • ½ cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the lacinato kale and chickpeas.

2. Add the almonds, red onion, and parsley to the lacinato kale mixture.

3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the olive oil and lemon juice.

4. Pour the dressing over the lacinato kale salad and toss to combine.

5. Serve immediately or refrigerate for later

Dark Blue Green leaves (Black Kale)

Palm kale, black cabbage - Cavolo nero black curly kale. Nero di Toscana (Brassica oleracea)

The appearance of lacinato kale sets it apart from other varieties of kale. Its leaves are dark blue-green in color and have a slightly frilled edge, giving lacinato kale a distinctive look that is perfect for adding visual interest to your meals.

Why is it called Tuscan Kale?

Raw Green Organic Tuscan Dinosaur Kale

It is believed that lacinato kale got its name from the Tuscan region of Italy, where it has long been a staple in traditional recipes. It is sometimes called Tuscan kale, Italian kale, dinosaur kale, or black Tuscan palm due to its rich flavor and unique appearance. Whatever you choose to call it, lacinato kale is a healthy and delicious ingredient that can add variety to your meals. So the next time you’re at the grocery store, be sure to put lacinato kale on your shopping list!

Supercharge Your Cooking Skills

Amazed children looking at mother with cupcakes

Whether you’re looking to add lacinato kale to your favorite recipes or try it out for the first time, this leafy green is a delicious way to supercharge your diet with vital nutrients. So why not start experimenting with lacinato today? You won’t be disappointed!

Immune Health

Green kale smoothie health drink

Lacinato kale is a healthy and nutritious green that is packed with many vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other beneficial compounds. Its high content of immune-boosting vitamin C makes lacinato kale an ideal choice for helping to ward off colds and flus during the fall and winter months. Additionally, this nutrient-rich vegetable is rich in beta-carotene and lutein, which are powerful antioxidants that help to protect against inflammation and may reduce the risk of certain chronic diseases such as cancer.

Whether you prefer lacinato kale raw or cooked, it’s a versatile ingredient that can be added to salads, soups, stews, stir-fries, smoothies, casseroles–the possibilities are endless! So if you’re looking for a healthy and nutritious way to boost your immune system this fall, start incorporating lacinato kale into your diet today. You won’t regret it!

Conclusion

To say that Lacinato Kale is good for you would be an understatement. This nutrient-packed green is a superfood that can help boost your immune system, protect against inflammation, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases like cancer. Whether you prefer lacinato kale raw, cooked, or incorporated into your favorite recipes, it’s a versatile ingredient that can bring tons of flavor and nutrition to your meals. So why not start experimenting with lacinato kale today? You won’t regret it!

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