Everything here has died due to the 105°F to 110°F temps for the past 3 weeks, so as soon as this blistering heat wave breaks and temps return to a more normal range, I’m going to do a second planting. Kale would be a great thing to add. If I can’t find any seeds anywhere, ordinary ol’ lettuce will have to do.
One thing that IS growing, however, is watermelons. They’re on the north side of the house, which now seems to be a very fortunate thing. Blossoms and vines galore. They’re supposed to get a little larger than the Sugar Babies that my Sis grew last year, which is fine with me. Hopefully they’ll have less seeds, though! That’s the one thing that drives me nuts about the Sugar Babies.
CLICK ON A STALK OF KALE!
I also have never gone nuts over kale. I’ve always wondered what the fuss it about. It’s overrated.Raw kale is for me eating a raw leaf of rhubarb. Quite bitter. When cooked, kale shrinks down quite a bit, like wet paper. My preferred greens are usually Collard Greens, Turnip or Mustard Greens. Everyone has their own preference. What we grew up eating or seeing has a lasting impact.
I tried it this year for the first time. Meh. Steamed it. Chopped it, froze it for pizza or soup.
Kale....eyew.
https://www.prevention.com/food-nutrition/recipes/a20488696/kale-aux-lardons/ (Kale with bacon and soft boiled eggs!)
The recipe calls for raw, but like you Liz, I like my kale cooked! Right at the end I would cook the kale for a bit in the hot bacon drippings until it wilts. (Here is an authentic recipe with a picture of the "Warm" salad. It is unfortunately in French but I include it for the pictures!)
https://www.academieduketo.com/blog/salade-chaude-de-kale-aux-lardons
*** But kale is one I have never been able to enjoy.***
The orchard near us grows its own kale, and it isn’t bitter. For salad, I take one leaf and remove the stem, then chop it up and sprinkle it in with the other salad greens. It’s lovely!
It depends on how you prepare it. I have a wonderful kale salad recipe and I also like it braised with herbs. I love kale. It’s a nutrional powerhouse.