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What would you get if you played mad scientist and crossed Russian Red Kale with Brussels sprouts?
The answer is Kale Sprouts, the newest, coolest green veggie to hit the produce section since that kooky looking Romanesco showed up and made us all wish we spent more time studying fractals.
Imagine, if you will, a long Brussels sprout stalk growing tall, with little florets of dark green-purple kale sprouting all over it. Russian Red Kale is a beautiful purple, so the color of these sprouts is stunning! They look like a tiny head of kale. They’re harvested when the first leaves of the plant have developed around a tiny, compact central head.
How to use:
- Saute them with a hint of olive oil and a finishing pinch of sea salt (they don’t shrink down like typical greens do)
- Roast them quickly in the oven. Chef Tom Fraker of Melissa’s Produce advises cutting them in half lengthwise and roasting them for about 5 minutes at 425ºF. “They come out a little crisp with roasted flavor. Awesome snack!” he reports.
- Chop and mix with greens in a salad
Flavor: Sweet peppery flavor and crispy fresh texture
Price: About $2.99 per 3-ounce package. (If you happen to find them in bulk, they might be around $3.99 per pound, but because they are so new you’ll most likely find them in the package.)
Season: Peak season is spring (March through June), as it is for many greens from California, but stay tuned, because this crop may end up having year-‘round availability.
Grown: In Central California
Branch out (ha ha, get it?) and try something new!
Melissa’s Produce sent a sample of the Kale Sprouts for testing.
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{ 27 comments… read them below or add one }
Yum they are so good. I just tried them yesterday!
Wow, I had no idea that it’s possible to buy kale sprouts!! Sounds delicious and a must try new food. Thanks
Sharon,
They are so cute, too. Cute food is always a plus. 🙂
Trader Joe’s Glendale, AZ
You can find these in Trader Joes – I’ve been buying them for a few months now. I also saw them at Fresh and Easy – They were called Kalettes there.
Alaia,
Yep, I am seeing them more widely distributed this year! They’re fun to work with!
Just had these in a restaurant on a visit to San Francisco area–very delicious! Don’t know if I’ve ever seem them in a super market or outdoor market in DC, though.
Ellen,
I think they are getting more and more popular, so they might show up any time now.
Hey Ellen,
trader joes in old town Alexandria has kale sprouts now, 🙂
Got them at Trader Joe’s in Surprise, AZ and I love them. I’m not a real Kale lover, though I think Brussel Sprouts are heaven. But these Kale Sprouts are wonderful and I love them when I can find them.
Fedora,
Love the name of that town….Surpise!
Looks delicious! Hope I can find them here in Ohio!
Tari,
I have also seen them in the market called Kale-ettes, too.
Trying these tonight!!! Linked to this post from my FB page too 🙂
Morgan,
Thanks! Aren’t they great?
oh, wish I could find them here
Nancy,
Not sure where you live, but they should be available nationally, so ask your produce guy. Tell him they are from Melissa’s Produce.
I just bought some at Trader Joes, they have a large supply. 8 ounce bag for $3.99.
Gina,
Wahoo! You go!
Kale Sprouts-palooza?
Nancy,
I’m ALL IN!
Actually if I were a mad scientist this is exactly what I would come up with! GREG
Greg,
Me too! I might come up with it in a variety of colors, too, so we could have a rainbow effect. Unicorn kale sprouts!
OMG! I am making it my mission to find these this weekend. Cannot wait…
KJ,
Call Melissa’s Produce at (800) 588-0151 and they may be able to guide you in which stores in your area might have them.
Cliff,
Oh yeah, kale sprouts…so cute, so delicious!