08/10/2023
Kale! Do you know the history behind this important crop? We did some research and wanted to share with you all, therefore below are some facts that we found interesting!
According to various .org websites, Kale originated in the, "eastern Mediterranean and Anatolia, where it was cultivated for food beginning by 2000 BCE at the latest." Various varieties of cabbage (curly and flat) were already in existence during the 4th century BC. These forms, which were referred to by the Romans as Sabellian kale, are considered to be the ancestors of modern kales.
Russian traders brought Russian Kale to Canada and then the United States in the 19th Century. "USDA botanist David Fairchild is credited with introducing kale (and many other crops) to Americans". Within the 1990s, Kale became more popular as an edible vegetable because of the discoveries of it's nutritional value. Prior, in the United States, it was mainly used for decoration.
Lacinato Kale (i.e. Dinosaur Kale or Tuscan Kale) was discovered in Italy in the late 19th century. It's more popular for cooking because of it's dark colour look and interesting texture (see third photo provided)
And finally, during the 20th Century and World War II, growing and harvesting Kale was encouraged by the Dig for Victory campaign. The Dig for Victory campaigns were essentially numerous food gardens for defense around the world planted at private residences and public parks focusing on vegetables, fruits, and herbs during World War I and II. Hence Kale was pushed to the public to grow more as the vegetable was (and still is) easy to grow and provided important nutrients missing from the diet because of rationing.
Today, Kale has become more popular than ever as a superfood through fresh juices (like our Green Juice) smoothies, salads and more. It has pushed through the barriers of wars and food rationing with it's tough appearance but dense nutrient values that can be continuously applied to new recipes like our Jamaican Kale Patty!
Let us know what you think about post like these compared to nutritional posts? And don't forget deliveries every Wednesday! Last day to order is on Mondays. See you soon!
