We often find two types of kale in vegetable markets, there is red kale and there is green kale. What is the difference between the two? To find the difference between Red Kale vs Green Kale, we will trace it from the shape of the leaves to the differences in nutritional content between the two. Which of the two is the winner in terms of nutrition? Let’s find out in this article. So, please read further!
Key Takeaways
Some important points about kale that you should know:
- Kale is a nutrient-rich vegetable, especially rich in vitamin K, and vitamin C, and rich in beta carotene. All types of kale are rich in antioxidant compounds.
- One cup of raw kale contains less than 10 calories, 1 gram of carbohydrates, and one gram of fiber and no protein.
- If you don’t like kale or can’t find kale, you want to get its nutritional value, you can consume green supplements such as GreenTonik.
Kale is a simple vegetable and in recent years has gained a special place among those who pay attention to nutrition, this is because kale is rich in essential nutrients. This vegetable is so rich in health benefits that it is called a super vegetable with enormous nutritional value.
This is a dark green leafy vegetable containing antioxidants, vitamin K, vitamin C, and beta carotene. Kale has been considered the healthiest vegetable in the world because of the many important nutrients it contains.
Types Of Kale
Did you know that there is not just one type of kale? There are 10 types of kale in the world including Winterbor, Red Russian, Lacinato, Scarlet, Redbor, Walking stick, Beira, Thousandhead, Darkibor, and Japanese Flowering kale.
The 10 types of kale mentioned above fall into 4 categories, these are Curled, Russian, American, and Italian. For example: Winterbor kale is included in the curly kale category, then Lacinato kale falls is included in the Italian kale category.
Red Kale vs Green Kale
In general or based on color, we know two types of kale, red and green. But do you know the difference between red kale VS green kale? We will explain the differences here so that you know for sure that one kale is superior to the other. What is the difference between red and green kale? Let’s explore more!
The basic difference is clear from the color. One is red and the other is green, green kale refers to curly kale and red kale is kale with red stems. This is the basic difference or root of the difference between the two.
In terms of taste, red and green kale have the same taste. However, red kale has a softer and sweeter texture compared to green kale.
The next difference between red kale vs green kale is the shape. Red kale has a flat shape, the leaves are more similar to arugula and are smaller. Meanwhile, green kale has wider leaves and a curly shape.
Red kale is more likely to be harvested and enjoyed when the leaves are small, so it is called baby leaf kale. Meanwhile, green kale has a more bitter taste and a more fibrous texture. If you want to cook green kale, you usually need to massage the leaves before cooking so they don’t become too bitter. However, there are many types of green kale, so there are differences between green kale and other green kale.
The next difference is in terms of nutritional content. The nutrients in each kale vary depending on the type. For example, Lacinato kale contains high levels of carotenoids, and Darkibor contains high levels of prebiotic fiber compared to other types of kale.
Generally, all types of kale are rich in vitamin K, vitamin C, and beta-carotene. Apart from that, all types of kale are also high in antioxidants which are very important for body health. Antioxidants are important in repelling free radicals that cause damage to body cells or cause cancer.
Nutrition Profile Of Kale
Curly green kale is considered a very popular type of kale and is everywhere.
You can often find green kale in local grocery stores. If you want to shop for vegetables at a grocery store, find out How Late Is The Closest Grocery Store Open. Kale has a hearty taste, is rich in fiber, and is often added to stews, salads, and soups.
Kale is a vegetable that is low in calories and high in antioxidants. One cup of raw kale contains less than 10 calories, 1 gram of carbohydrates, 1 gram of fiber, and no protein. Green kale is the best source of vitamin K, where the level is 70% of the total daily value (DV).
How To Eat Kale
Considering that kale is rich in nutrients, many people ask how to eat kale properly.
The best way to eat kale is to eat it as it is without anything added. If you find it unpleasant, perhaps you should consider eating it again. This is a storehouse of nutrition that is a shame to miss.
If you eat green kale and don’t think it tastes good, consider eating red kale or another type of green kale that might taste better.
There are several ways to enjoy kale to obtain important nutrients for the body. You can put it in salad, soup, stew, crispy chips, and in other ways.
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How to get similar nutrition without having to eat kale?
Yes, if you don’t have kale at all, but want to get similar nutrients, then you can consider consuming a green supplement.
Kale is a delicious vegetable in the cabbage family and you can use it in many ways. Whether adding it to soup, in stir-fries or making kale juice. However, the best way to consume kale is to eat it alone without any additions.
Green Powders Vs Vegetables Vs Multivitamins
Talking about the comparison between green powder and vegetables, then vegetables will always win. However, consuming green powder also has benefits.
Some people think that green powder is just a waste and has no benefits. However, for those who cannot eat vegetables or find it difficult to include vegetables in their diet, consider that green powder is a fast and precise way to obtain nutrients, green powder contains high antioxidants like those in kale.
Indeed, green powder does not contain the same nutrients as kale, but now many are approaching it and trying green powder as an easy form of getting nutrients into the body.
You need to know that Super Green Tonic contains more than 100% DV for vitamins D, C, niacin, riboflavin, thiamin, B6, B12, biotin, acid, zinc, and pantothenic acid.
Sources:
– https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/168421/nutrients
– https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6637178/
– https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8891438/