Lacinato Kale vs Curly Kale
Lacinato Kale, aka Tuscan Kale or Dinosaur Kale, is not the same as regular curly kale.
- Lacinato kale is slightly sweeter and nuttier than other types of kale. It is also a bit more tender and takes less time to cook.
- Its tender texture makes Lacinato Kale a better choice for salads as it doesn’t need much ‘massaging.
- Both Lacinato and regular curly kale are nutrition powerhouses known as superfoods. But the Lacinato kale variety is even richer in Vitamin A, Vitamin K, and other vital nutrients.
What Does It Mean to Massage Kale
Massaging kale is a simple way to remove its bitterness and make it more tender in salads without cooking. You can use this technique for all kale salad recipes. Here’s how to do it:
- Remove the bitter kale stalks. Simply cut along the length of the stem, or tear the kale leaves off using your hands.
- Chop the leaves into small pieces. Take several kale leaves and roll them up like a cigar. Using a knife, chop across the rolled kale leaves.
- Transfer the chopped-up kale into a salad bowl. Toss it with a little bit of extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper.
- Using your hands, gently squeeze and move the kale around for several minutes. The lemon juice and olive oil, along with the massaging, break down the fibers and make kale sweeter and softer.
Fun Facts About Lacinato Kale Nicknames
Lacinato Kale goes by many names. Some call it Dinosaur Kale because it can grow up to three feet tall; its bumpy leaves somewhat resemble dinosaur skin.
It is also known as Tuscan or Italian kale because it’s been grown in Tuscany for centuries. It is one of the staple cooking ingredients in many dishes from that region.
Find Out More About Kale, How to Cook It, and Some Great Kale Recipes Here:
