January is a time many of us turn to healthier foods, and one good way to do that is to include leafy greens in our daily meals. Kale is a particularly nutritious green vegetable, whether eaten cooked until tender or raw in salads and smoothies. It is an excellent source of vitamins A, K and C, and a good source of vitamin B6, calcium and other minerals. Kale comes in many different varieties including the frilly curly kale, the ruffled Purple Russian, and the deep green, bumpy Tuscan kale (a.k.a. Dinosaur kale for its theoretical resemblance to dinosaur skin). Kale is especially delicious this time of year when the cool weather helps it to develop a sweet and mild flavor. See below for healthy recipe ideas to make kale a part of your meals this January, or learn more about kale and view its nutrition facts at the USDA's Seasonal Produce Guide.
Recipe Ideas:
Kale Salad with Nuts and Seasonal Fruits