Kale – Brassica oleracea (Acephala Group) Facts
Kale is an annual plant which is found growing in cool environment but likes sunny locations. It is a cruciferous vegetable native to eastern Mediterranean or Asia Minor, but due to its dense nutritional value as well as delightful taste it is grown throughout the world.
| Name | Kale |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Brassica oleracea (Acephala Group) |
| Native | Eastern Mediterranean or Asia Minor |
| Common/English Name | Borecole, non-heading cabbage, broccoli |
| Plant Growth Habit | Annual plant |
| Growing Climate | Cool season vegetable that prefers a sunny location |
| Soil | Rich, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. |
| Plant Size | Six or seven feet; |
| Stem | Erect stem that can grow close to the ground |
| Leaf Shape & Size | Large, curly or plain leaves arranged in the form of rosette. |
| Leaf Color | Light or dark green, violet-green or violet-brown |
| Leaf Flavor | Sweet and succulent |
| Leaf Taste | Warm temperature leads to bitter taste
Cold weather in tasteful natty-flavored leaves. |
| Flower | Yellow flowers arranged in the clusters on top of the flowering stem. |
| Fruit | Fruit of kale is seedpod filled with numerous seed. |
| Seed | Seeds resemble those of cabbage and are small and black colored |
| Varieties/Types | Dinosaur, Lacinato, Nero Di Toscana, Dwarf Blue Scotch, Redbor, Red Russian, White Russian, Wild Garden Blend, Winterbor, Winter Red, Curly Kale, Ornamental Kale |
| Major Nutrition | Vitamin K (phylloquinone) 1062.1 µg 885.08% Vitamin A, RAE 885 µg 126.43% Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid) 53.3 mg 59.22% Manganese, Mn 0.541 mg 23.52% Copper, Cu 0.203 mg 22.56% Iron, Fe 1.17 mg 14.63% Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) 0.179 mg 13.77% Calcium, Ca 94 mg 9.40% Isoleucine 0.148 g 8.85% Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) 1.1 mg 7.33% |
| Health Benefits |
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| Calories in 1cup (100gm) | 36 Kcal |