Kale has gained immense popularity largely due to its impressive nutrient profile. This vibrant leafy green is celebrated for its rich content of beneficial plant compounds, such as glucosinolates, flavonoids, carotenoids, and vitamin C. These attributes contribute to its reputation as a superfood.

As a result, kale is frequently featured in various products, including superfood greens powders, revitalizing green smoothies, and convenient greens capsules. Additionally, it is a favorite in culinary creations ranging from fresh salads to hearty soups. Its ease of cultivation makes it a popular choice among home gardening enthusiasts across the globe.

While you may be familiar with just one or two types of kale, the reality is that there is a diverse array of varieties available. These varieties can vary significantly in terms of color, texture, leaf characteristics, and even their nutritional makeup.

A recent study has identified four primary kale varieties:

• Curly
• American
• Russian
• Italian

Within these four major categories, there are numerous sub-varieties. For instance, the well-known lacinato kale belongs to the Italian variety group.

Here are ten delightful kale types—many of which you may have yet to discover.

1. Winterbor Kale

Winterbor kale is a widely appreciated variety of curly kale, cherished by both commercial producers and home gardeners alike. Known for its exceptional cold-hardiness, it can endure frigid temperatures, making it a reliable choice for winter gardens. The leaves are characterized by their vibrant bluish-green hue and can grow as tall as 3 feet (91 cm), providing a striking visual appeal in any garden.

Although its robust and thicker leaves are often cooked, winterbor kale can also be enjoyed raw. This versatile green is perfect for a range of dishes, from hearty soups and flavorful stir-fries to nutritious smoothies. Additionally, its sturdy leaves are excellent for making crispy kale chips, offering a delightful snack option that is both healthy and satisfying.

2. Lacinato Kale

Lacinato kale, often referred to as dinosaur kale or Tuscan kale, is a distinctive variety of Italian kale characterized by its dark green, blade-like leaves that can reach heights of up to 3 feet (91 cm). This unique variety boasts roots in the picturesque region of Tuscany, where it has been a staple in traditional Italian cuisine for centuries.

Research highlights that lacinato kale is rich in essential minerals that are often lacking in many diets, particularly magnesium and zinc, which are vital for various bodily functions. Additionally, this leafy green is an outstanding source of dietary fiber, along with essential vitamins C and K, making it a nutritious addition to any meal.

Furthermore, a comparative study of eight kale cultivars revealed that Tuscan kale stands out for its high concentration of carotenoid compounds, including neoxanthin, lutein, and beta carotene, all of which are known for their potent antioxidant properties that help combat oxidative stress in the body.

What sets lacinato kale apart from other kale varieties is its tender texture, which makes it perfect for raw applications in salads. It can also be seamlessly incorporated into a variety of dishes, including soups, frittatas, and other cooked meals, enhancing both flavor and nutrition.

3. Red Russian Kale

Red Russian kale, a delightful variety of Russian kale, is renowned for its sweet and tender leaves. Interestingly, despite its name, this kale often displays a slate green hue complemented by striking dark purplish stems. Its resilience to cold weather makes it a favored choice among both commercial and home gardeners, especially in regions with cooler climates such as Canada and parts of Australia.

This kale is affectionately referred to as “baby leaf” kale when harvested young, and it is most frequently enjoyed in this tender form. The baby leaves bring a delightful crunch and flavor, making them a perfect addition to fresh salads. However, Red Russian kale can also be consumed when fully mature, reaching impressive heights of 2–3 feet (61–91 cm), offering a robust taste and texture that many enjoy.

Personally, this variety holds a special place in my heart as one of my favorite crops to cultivate in my backyard garden.

4. Scarlet Kale

Scarlet kale features visually striking purple leaves and stalks, with its hues becoming even more vivid as the temperatures drop. This variety of kale stands out not just for its appearance but also for its nutritional benefits. Research comparing various kale cultivars revealed that scarlet kale contains the highest levels of total tocopherols and specifically alpha tocopherol among them.

Vitamin E, often thought of as a single entity, actually consists of eight unique compounds, including four distinct tocopherols. Among these, alpha tocopherol is the form that best satisfies human dietary requirements, making it a vital nutrient.

This powerful antioxidant plays a crucial role in safeguarding your cells against damage caused by unstable molecules known as free radicals. Furthermore, alpha tocopherol may bolster immune system functionality and assist in combating inflammation.

Scarlet kale can reach a height of up to 3 feet (91 cm), making it an impressive addition to any garden. The young, tender leaves are delightful when enjoyed raw in salads, while the mature leaves can be cooked and added to soups or incorporated into grain-based dishes, offering versatility in your meals.

5. Redbor Kale

If you're on a quest to introduce vibrant hues to your meals, Redbor kale is sure to become your go-to leafy green. This striking vegetable can grow to heights of 2–3 feet (61–91 cm) and boasts stunning deep reddish-purple leaves with a delightful frilly texture. Interestingly, the cold climate plays a pivotal role in enhancing its vivid color, rich texture, and robust flavor.

The leaves are wonderfully crisp when enjoyed raw, yet they transform into tender morsels when cooked, making them an ideal ingredient for a variety of dishes, including wholesome stews and flavorful pasta creations. For a refreshing twist, consider finely shredding the leaves to prepare a bright and crunchy raw salad, which can be a wonderful addition to any meal.

6. Beira Kale

Beira kale, a unique variety hailing from Portugal, is also referred to as Portuguese cabbage or sea kale. Characterized by its wavy green leaves, Beira kale plays a crucial role in a beloved traditional dish known as Portuguese kale soup. Additionally, the thick stems of Beira kale can be peeled and enjoyed similarly to celery stalks, adding a crunchy texture to your meals.

This fascinating plant requires ample space to thrive, reaching an impressive height of approximately 61 cm (2 feet). Research comparing various kale types highlighted Beira as the richest in plant compounds known as indoles, specifically glucosinolates, which are concentrated in cruciferous vegetables.

Furthermore, studies indicate that glucosinolates possess potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Incorporating foods rich in glucosinolates, such as Beira kale, into your diet may offer protective benefits against chronic diseases, making it a valuable addition to a healthy lifestyle.

7. Walking Stick Kale

Did you know that kale can reach impressive heights of up to 12 feet (3.6 meters)? This remarkable variety, known as walking stick kale, is also referred to as walking cabbage, cow cabbage, Jersey cabbage, and tall jacks. For centuries, this towering leafy green has been cultivated across Europe.

Historically, on the picturesque Isle of Jersey, located in Europe’s Channel Islands, the sturdy stalks of walking stick kale were often varnished and repurposed as walking canes.

While many people enjoy the younger, more delicate leaves for their tender texture, the older, tougher leaves serve well as nutritious animal feed, making this plant versatile in both human and animal diets.

8. Darkibor Kale

Darkibor kale is a unique variety of curly kale, characterized by its vibrant dark green color and tightly curled leaves. These robust plants can grow up to 51 cm (20 inches) tall and are well-suited to a range of climatic conditions, making them a versatile addition to any garden.

The curly leaves of darkibor are perfect for creating crispy kale chips or can be incorporated into delicious stir-fries and hearty soups. For those who prefer a fresh crunch, the younger, tender leaves can be enjoyed raw in salads, adding a nutritious boost.

A fascinating study examining consumer preferences across 20 different kale varieties revealed that darkibor ranked among the top three favorites, showcasing its popularity. Furthermore, research highlighted that darkibor kale is particularly rich in prebiotic fibers known as Raffinose-family oligosaccharides, which are beneficial for digestive health as they encourage the growth of good bacteria while inhibiting harmful pathogens in the gut.

9. Thousandhead Kale

Thousandhead kale, while technically classified as a non-kale cabbage, is an ancient vegetable with origins in France that deserves recognition due to its remarkable qualities. This extraordinary leafy green is often referred to as “branching borecole.”

This unique variety can reach towering heights of up to 6 feet (1.8 meters) and boasts impressive leaves that may extend to a length of 3 feet (91 cm). The leaves feature only a slight curl at the tips, making it easier for farmers and gardeners to identify and manage pests such as caterpillars.

In the kitchen, the larger leaves can be sautéed to enhance soups, while the younger, more tender leaves are perfect for enjoying raw in salads, adding a fresh touch to your meals.

10. Japanese Flowering Kale

Among the various kale varieties, Japanese flowering kale stands out as one of the most visually stunning options available.

This unique kale features a striking rosette shape, characterized by a vibrant fuchsia center surrounded by lush green outer leaves. Its frilly texture enhances its aesthetic charm, making it an attractive addition to any garden.

In Japan, this delightful plant is referred to as habotan and it is commonly cultivated in gardens to provide a burst of color during the cooler months of the year.

While primarily appreciated for its ornamental value, Japanese flowering kale is also edible. It boasts a naturally sweet flavor that can be enjoyed both raw in salads and cooked in various dishes. Furthermore, growers often suggest that it can be transformed into delicious homemade kale chips, making it a versatile choice for culinary enthusiasts.

The Bottom Line

While your local grocery store may offer only a limited selection of kale varieties, there is an impressive array cultivated across the globe, including winterbor, scarlet, redbor, beira, and even ornamental types. This leafy green is not just visually appealing; it also packs a powerful nutritional punch.

No matter the variety you select, you can be confident in receiving abundant health benefits from this remarkable vegetable, which is rich in essential nutrients such as dietary fiber, calcium, and vitamins C and K. These nutrients contribute to overall health and wellness, making kale a worthwhile addition to your diet.

Consider incorporating kale into delightful and nourishing recipes, such as the savory White Bean and Kale Soup or the crunchy Sunflower Coated Crispy Kale Chips, which are sure to excite your taste buds.