How to Harvest Kale Throughout the Year: A Seasonal Guide

Published on: 11 March 2024 Last Updated on: 04 September 2024
how to harvest kale

Kale is one of the most nutritious and versatile greens you can grow in your garden. It’s packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber and can be used in salads, soups, smoothies, and more. But how do you harvest kale throughout the year so that you can enjoy it fresh and crisp and also make it last longer?

In this article, I will show you how to harvest kale so it keeps growing, how to harvest kale from the garden, how to store and freeze kale, and the health benefits and taste of kale. Additionally, I will also share some tips and tricks on how to grow kale successfully and how to use it in delicious recipes. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert gardener, this guide will help you make the most of your kale harvest.

What is Kale & Why Should You Harvest It?

What is Kale & Why Should You Harvest It_

Kale has a mild, earthy, and slightly bitter taste, which can vary depending on the variety, growing conditions, and harvesting time. It can also become sweeter after a frost, as the cold temperatures trigger the plant to produce more sugars.

Kale can be eaten raw or cooked, and it can complement many dishes and flavors. It can also be seasoned with salt, pepper, lemon juice, garlic, onion, vinegar, or any other condiments you like.

Kale is not only tasty, but also healthy. It’s low in calories and high in fiber, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and phytochemicals. It can help improve various aspects of health, such as:

Eye health

Kale is rich in lutein and zeaxanthin. These are carotenoids that protect the eyes from age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, and glaucoma. Kale also contains vitamin A, which is essential for vision and eye health.

Blood pressure

Kale is high in potassium, magnesium, and nitrates, which are compounds that help lower blood pressure and relax the blood vessels. Kale also contains vitamin C, which helps prevent homocysteine, an amino acid that can damage the blood vessels and increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Bone health

Kale is a good source of calcium, magnesium, and vitamin K, which are important for bone health and density. Kale also contains vitamin C, which helps the body absorb calcium and produce collagen, a protein that strengthens the bones and connective tissues.

Immune system

Kale is loaded with vitamin C, which is a powerful antioxidant that boosts the immune system and fights off infections and inflammation. Kale also contains vitamin E, which enhances the immune response and protects the cells from oxidative stress.

Digestion

Kale is high in fiber, which helps regulate digestion and prevent constipation, diarrhea, and bloating. Fiber also feeds the beneficial bacteria in the gut, which improve the digestion and absorption of nutrients and support the immune system.

Skin and hair

Kale is rich in vitamins A, C, E, and iron, essential for healthy skin and hair. Vitamin A helps maintain the moisture and elasticity of the skin and prevents acne and wrinkles. Vitamin C helps produce collagen, which keeps the skin firm and smooth.

On the other hand, vitamin E helps protect the skin from sun damage and aging. Iron helps deliver oxygen to the skin and hair cells and prevents anemia, which can cause hair loss and pale skin.

How to Harvest Kale So It Keeps Growing?

How to Harvest Kale So It Keeps Growing_

One of the best things about kale is that it’s a cut-and-come-again crop. This means that you can harvest it multiple times throughout the season, as long as you do it correctly. Here are the steps to follow to harvest kale so it keeps growing:

Choose the right time to harvest

The best time to harvest kale is when the leaves are young and tender, usually about 30 to 40 days after planting. You can also harvest baby kale leaves about 15 to 25 days after planting.

You should harvest kale before it starts to flower. This is when it produces yellow or white blossoms and becomes bitter and tough.

Kale usually flowers when the days get longer and warmer. Therefore, you should harvest it more frequently in the spring and summer.

Use a sharp knife or scissors to cut the leaves

You can either cut the whole plant at the base, leaving about an inch of stem or cut individual leaves from the lower part of the plant, leaving the upper leaves to grow. 

Additionally, you should cut the leaves about an inch above the soil to avoid damaging the crown and the roots. You should also avoid cutting too many leaves from one plant. This is because this will weaken the plant and reduce the yield. A good rule of thumb is to leave at least half of the leaves on each plant.

Wash and dry the leaves

You should wash the kale leaves as soon as possible after harvesting to remove any dirt, bugs, or pesticides. To rinse the leaves under cold water, you can use a colander or a salad spinner. After that, pat them dry with a paper towel or a cloth. You should also remove any damaged or yellow leaves, and trim any tough stems.

Enjoy or store the leaves

You can eat the kale leaves fresh, or store them in the refrigerator or freezer for later use. I will explain how to store and freeze kale in the next sections.

How to Harvest Kale from the Garden?

How to Harvest Kale from the Garden_

If you want to harvest kale from the garden, you need to follow some simple steps and tips to ensure a successful and bountiful harvest. Here are some things to consider when harvesting kale from the garden:

Choose the right variety

There are many varieties of kale to choose from, depending on your preference and climate. Some of the most common varieties are curly kale, which has dark green, and curly leaves that are great for salads and chips. 

You can also try dinosaur kale, which has dark blue-green, flat leaves that are great for soups and stir-fries, and red Russian kale, which has purple-red, frilly leaves that are great for salads and smoothies.

You can also choose kale varieties based on their maturity time, cold tolerance, flavor, and color. Some popular kale varieties are Winterbor, Redbor, Lacinato, and Scarlet.

Plant the seeds or seedlings

Depending on your preference and availability, you can plant kale seeds or seedlings in the garden. The best time to plant kale seeds or seedlings is in early spring, as soon as the soil can be worked, or in late summer or early fall, for a winter harvest. You can also plant kale seeds or seedlings every two to three weeks, for a continuous harvest.

You should plant the seeds or seedlings about a quarter to half an inch deep, and one to two inches apart, in rows that are 18 to 24 inches apart. Additionally, you should water the seeds or seedlings well, and keep the soil moist until they germinate or establish, which usually takes seven to 14 days.

Thin the seedlings

When the kale seedlings have two to four true leaves, you should thin them to avoid overcrowding and competition. You should leave about six to 12 inches of space between each plant and eat or transplant the thinned seedlings. You should also weed the area around the kale plants regularly, to prevent pests and diseases.

Harvest the leaves

You can start harvesting kale leaves when they are big enough to eat, usually about 30 to 40 days (about one and a half months) after planting, depending on the variety. You can either harvest the whole plant or pick individual leaves from the lower part of the plant, leaving the upper leaves to grow.

That is not all. You should harvest kale in the morning when the leaves are crisp and fresh and before the sun gets too hot. You should also harvest kale before it starts to flower, which is when it produces yellow or white blossoms and becomes bitter and tough.

How to Store and Freeze Kale

How to Store and Freeze Kale

Kale is best eaten fresh, as it loses its flavor and texture quickly. However, if you have a large harvest, or you want to preserve kale for later use, you can store or freeze it. Here are the best ways to store and freeze kale:

  • Store kale in the refrigerator: You can store fresh kale in the refrigerator for up to a week, if you keep it in a perforated plastic bag or a container with a lid. You should also avoid washing the kale before storing it, as this will make it wilt faster. You should wash the kale just before using it.
  • Freeze kale raw: You can freeze raw kale without blanching it, which is a process of briefly cooking and cooling the vegetables to stop the enzyme activity that causes them to spoil. However, freezing raw kale will result in a mushy and watery texture and a loss of flavor and nutrients. To freeze raw kale, you should wash and dry the leaves, and then pack them in freezer bags or containers, leaving some space for expansion. You can freeze raw kale for up to six months, and use it in smoothies, soups, or casseroles.
  • Freeze kale blanched: You can freeze blanched kale, which will retain its color, texture, flavor, and nutrients better than raw kale. To freeze blanched kale, you should wash and trim the leaves, and then blanch them in boiling water for two to three minutes, depending on the size of the leaves. You should then drain and cool the leaves and squeeze out the excess water. Moreover, you can then pack the leaves in freezer bags or containers, leaving some space for expansion. You can freeze blanched kale for up to a year, and use it in salads, sandwiches, or quiches.

How to Use Kale in Different Cuisines and Recipes

How to Use Kale in Different Cuisines and Recipes

Kale is a versatile vegetable that can be used in many different cuisines and recipes. Whether you want to make a salad, a soup, a smoothie, or a casserole, kale can add flavor, color, and nutrition to your dish. Here are some examples of how to use kale in different cuisines and recipes:

American cuisine

Kale is a popular ingredient in American cuisine, especially in salads, sandwiches, and casseroles. You can make a kale and apple salad with walnuts and honey mustard dressing, or a kale and chicken sandwich with mayonnaise and cheese.

You can also make a kale and cheese casserole with eggs, milk, and bread crumbs, or a kale and sausage quiche with pie crust and cheddar cheese.

Mediterranean cuisine

Kale is a common ingredient in Mediterranean cuisine, especially in Greek, Italian, and Spanish dishes. You can make a kale and feta cheese pie with phyllo dough and olive oil, or a kale and white bean soup with garlic, rosemary, and lemon juice. You can also make kale and tomato pasta with parmesan cheese and basil, or a kale and potato tortilla with eggs, onion, and paprika.

Asian cuisine

Kale is widely used in Asian cuisine, especially in Chinese, Japanese, and Indian dishes. You can make a kale and tofu stir-fry with ginger, soy sauce, and sesame oil.

Additionally, you can make a kale and seaweed salad with rice vinegar, sugar, and sesame seeds. You can also make kale and coconut curry with onion, garlic, curry paste, and coconut milk. If you like something Indian, you can also try kale and lentil dal with cumin, turmeric, and coriander.

Wrapping It Up!

Kale is a wonderful vegetable that you can harvest, store, and use in various ways. It’s easy to grow, harvest, and store kale, as long as you follow some simple steps and tips. It’s also healthy, delicious, and versatile, as you can use it in many different cuisines and recipes. Kale is a green treasure that you don’t want to miss.

If you want to know how to harvest kale, I hope that this blog has been of help to you. If there are any other queries related to the same, please feel free to let me know. All that you need to do is scroll down till you reach the bottom of the page. Then leave your comments and suggestions in the box below. And I will be there to help you out with the same!

Read Also:

Ankita Tripathy loves to write about food and the Hallyu Wave in particular. During her free time, she enjoys looking at the sky or reading books while sipping a cup of hot coffee. Her favourite niches are food, music, lifestyle, travel, and Korean Pop music and drama.

View all posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

All Comments

It was a real pleasure to read. You're doing great. Good article.

Related

Salmon Farming

A Viable Alternative to Wild Fish: Can Salmon Farming Be Sustainable?

The demand for salmon continues to soar as it drives the expansion of aquaculture. For many years, conscientious consumers have been advised by the environmentalists to keep away from farmed salmon, but things have begun to change due to the evolving industry. Salmon is rich in protein as well as omega-3 fatty acids which are ideal for your heart’s health. As a result, salmon has increasingly been marketed as a healthy product for consumption. The demand for salmon has increased more than 20% in the past years while consumption is much higher than it was in the eighties. Despite these promising numbers, many people still question the viability of salmon farming. To understand whether or not salmon farming is sustainable, here is what you need to know. Aquaculture Then and Now: Aquaculture, the practice of raising seafood within a controlled setting, has been around for many years. This practice was used by the Australian indigenous people and people from the Roman Empire. In China, aquaculture during the Tang Dynasty resulted in the mutation which created goldfish which is now used as a ubiquitous pet in homes. Currently, the aquaculture industry is one of the fastest growing sectors in the entire world. The natural fisheries have placed limitations on the number of fish that can be caught during a particular period of the year. As an alternative, fish farming has offered consistent and large quantities of seafood and fish. The addition of aquaculture stock including oysters and salmon has been instrumental in meeting the current demands for seafood, making aquaculture a more sustainable practice. Today, aquaculture and Salmon farming plays an instrumental role in the economy, offering numerous job opportunities in the operations as well as the ancillary services. The Environmental Defense Fund states that exports of global fisheries now earn more revenues as opposed to any other traded food component such as coffee, cocoa, and rice. This aspect illustrates the sustainable aspect of aquaculture and farmed salmon. What are the Misconceptions? The farmed salmon industry faces so much negative perception, most of which is brought about by the media hype. One of the greatest misconception people have about farmed salmon is that doesn’t offer the same nutrient quality as the wild salmon. Nevertheless, just like the wild salmon, it is imperative to not that farmed salmon has low saturated fat as opposed to other kinds of proteins. Moreover, the rich, pink hue of this kind of fish is created from natural compounds found in their feed. As mentioned earlier, one of the advantages of farmed salmon is its provision of the beneficial omega-3 fatty acids which can be seen in most wild salmon varieties. Through a number of independent studies undertaken by the National Cancer Institute, FDA, and other reputable companies or organizations, PCB levels evident in the wild and farmed salmon are safely under the tolerance levels that the FDA has set. Apart from the nutritional misconceptions, there’s some sort of confusion among the public regarding the environmental impact of salmon farming and the feed conversion processes. According to recent studies, the feed conversion ratio of farmed salmon is quite lower compared to the wild salmon. Moreover, the extensive water testing evident in salmon farming has shown that the farming process doesn’t negatively affect the water’s overall quality. Low Impact on the Environment: According to studies conducted by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, aquaculture has less impact on the environment. If anything, this practice can benefit rather than destroy the environment. This is because practices such as salmon farming can be conducted using practices which don’t harm the environment. That way, it becomes possible to meet the ever-growing demand for seafood, thus supplementing the fish that has been harvested in the wild. Although there are documented issues associated with fish farming such as the use of chemicals, water pollution, and threat to natural fish, farmed salmon among other kinds of fish farming is a sustainable solution to the depletion of wild fish. Offshore Expansion: One of the advantages of salmon farming is its flexible nature. To promote sustainability, salmon farming salmon can be moved from nearshore onto land. The ocean is large and there are massive opportunities for farmers to expand the practice in different locations. Farming can be done on land or taken further offshore where the impact on the environment is minimal because farming is done in an open water body where waste can be carried further beyond the sea. However, this can be capital intensive because farmers need systems that are physically stronger to manage the challenges brought about by wave action and wind. As the industry continues to expand, chances are farmed salmon will be moved out into other environments. Given the current trends in technology and innovation, it will not be surprising to see farmed salmon taking the world by storm. Where the practice is today portrays some massive steps from where the practice was some years back, a clear indication that salmon farming is bound to take the world by storm in the coming years. The Future of Farmed Salmon: When visualizing the future of fish farming, it is imperative to establish different components in connection to the practice. Some of these include its environmental impact, its effect on health, and its sustainable aspect. With regard to sustainability, as the demand for protein continues to grow, their production will continue to increase. In such a case, nutritionists will be looking at practices as salmon farming to see how they will continue to provide the much-needed protein. And despite the various challenges associated with farmed salmon, it is imperative to note that aquaculture is an efficient way of producing protein. In that regard, salmon farming leads the way when it comes to innovation in the field of aquaculture, offering a solution to the global problem of protein production. To attain the goal of sustainability, it is important for salmon farmers to continue utilizing new innovation and eco-friendly techniques which have a lesser impact on the environment. Final Word: Aquaculture has been one of the most dependable practices for providing seafood and ensuring the provision of much-demanded protein. Generally, farmed salmon is a sustainable practice and an excellent alternative to wild fish. Read Also: A Few Tips About Reef Fishing On A Fishing Charter The Fishing Industry Needs More Sustainability Awareness

READ MOREDetails
office manager

Tips To Be An Effective Office Manager

So you have decided to start a business. While financially rewarding, it can prove to be a challenging task with unlimited obstacles ahead of you. One of the reasons for these obstacles is the fierce competition that they are faced with. Unlike before, where a unique idea can guarantee you a monopoly of the industry, today, everyone is faced with the dilemma of competing for customers. To get an edge over your competitors, there are simple steps that you can take. For example, constantly striving to learn more is important. There are new advancements coming up every day and it is crucial that you stay updated with the latest innovations in your industry. Even the simplest of inventions could revolutionize the market. Here we have listed some helpful tips on running a business Take Care Of Cash Flows Mismanaged cash flows are one of the most common reasons by companies that already went under. After declaring bankruptcy, it is revealed that these companies were not able to manage their assets properly. One asset that must be managed most properly is Contracts. As legally binding documents, they ensure that the company form proper and mutually benefitting relationships while protecting both parties. Invest both time and resources in perfecting your contract management system. Fire Bad Employees There’s no such thing as firing bad employees too fast. However, before you remove them from your company, please ensure that they are actually the ones with a problem and not your management style. Take Care of Good Employees Just as you should fire bad employees, you should also take care of good employees. Boosting the morale of the entire department will also improve their productivity. Take care of your employees by fostering a professional work environment with open communication. Recognizing the talents and skills of each individual employee are important for them to feel that they are an integral part of your company. One advantage that you should look for in an employee is a data science skillset. It has become a necessary skill among job applicants as it is considered to be the future of marketing. Learn How To Say No There’s being lenient and there’s being a push-over. Don’t let yourself be pushed around by your staff. Learn how to say no when their requests have become outrageous. Learning how to control your staff before it becomes a zoo is an important skill that you must master. All your decisions must be in alignment with the company’s mission and vision. Any request that goes against this must be properly examined. Create A Proper Business Model Consult with a business professional and create a proper business model with plans for scaling and growth. This is especially crucial to guarantee that your company survives the changing of the tides and has the necessary resources for when it is ready to grow into a bigger organization. A business owner without any goals for the future is an ineffective one that is doomed to fail. Learn From The Mistakes Of Others While it is true that history, more often than not, repeats itself, there are a lot of steps that you can take to ensure that your company does not meet the same bitter past of its predecessors. Study their tales and take lessons from them, vowing not to follow in their same footsteps. If there were previous mishaps, take the time to examine what went wrong and take the necessary precautions for it not to happen again. Ask Help You can’t do it alone. This is one thing that you have to realize. You need to ask for help from everyone. Only with the entire organization helping each other will the company be able to establish itself as an authority figure of the industry. Ask for help from your employees, from those around you, and from business experts. Utilize all the available tools at your disposal. Creating an online presence, for example, can vastly improve the effectiveness of your marketing efforts. Read Also: Thinking Of Becoming An Entrepreneur? What Is The Cost To Start A Business? Five Things To Consider Before Starting A Business Start-Up Business Management: How To Reduce Risk And Guarantee Success

READ MOREDetails
Working With A CNC Machine Shop

Working With A CNC Machine Shop: Turning Your Ideas Into Reality

Precision and efficiency are cornerstones of modern manufacturing, and companies across various industries rely on cutting-edge technologies to produce parts and components that meet exact specifications. One such revolutionary process is computer numerical control (CNC) machining. Partnering with a CNC machine shop can help unleash its full power to bring your ideas to fruition. In this comprehensive guide, we explore all the nuances associated with working with them. What Is A CNC Machine Shop? A CNC machine shop is a specialized facility equipped with state-of-the-art CNC machines designed to precisely cut, shape, and mold materials like metals, plastics, and wood according to precise digital instructions generated from computer-aided design (CAD) software, thus enabling highly accurate manufacturing processes with repeatable results. CNC machines include milling machines, lathes, and routers suited for specific machining tasks as well. If you are looking to get top-quality rapid prototyping and low-volume manufacturing services, you can consider a CNC machine shop like 3ERP. You can reach out and get an instant quote with 3ERP, and receive a comprehensive solution for any need you may have. This way, you can be sure that you will experience top-level precision manufacturing. The Benefits Of Working With A CNC Machine Shop Collaborating with a CNC machine shop offers numerous advantages: Precision and accuracy: CNC machines excel at producing parts with exceptional precision and accuracy. They can repeat the same task with minimal deviation, ensuring consistent quality across large production runs. Efficiency and speed: CNC machining is incredibly efficient and can complete tasks quickly, reducing lead times and enabling you to meet tight production schedules. Complex geometry: CNC machines can handle complex and intricate designs that would be nearly impossible to produce manually. This enables designers to explore innovative product concepts. Cost-effective: While initial investments in CNC machining equipment may seem substantial, their long-term cost savings often make up for this initial outlay in reduced labor and material waste costs. Material versatility: CNC machines offer versatile material-cutting options, from metals like aluminum and steel to plastics and composites, making them suitable for various industries and applications. Steps To Collaborating With A CNC Machine Shop Now that we've highlighted the benefits, let's delve into the steps for effectively collaborating with a CNC machine shop. Define Your Project Requirements Begin by clearly defining your project requirements. This includes specifying the type of material you need, the quantity of parts or components, the desired tolerances, and any special surface finishes or coatings. Having a detailed project brief will help the CNC machine shop understand your needs accurately. Choose The Right CNC Machine Shop Selecting the right CNC machine shop is a crucial decision. Consider factors such as their experience, equipment capabilities, quality control processes, and their ability to meet your project timeline. Don't hesitate to ask for references or review their past projects to assess their competency. Provide Detailed CAD Drawings To bring your design to life, you must provide detailed CAD drawings of each part or component you intend to incorporate into it. These will serve as blueprints for CNC machines to follow. Make sure your CAD files are in the appropriate format, and work closely with the CNC machine shop's engineers to address any questions or concerns. Prototyping And Testing Before committing to a full production run, consider creating a prototype or small batch of parts for testing and validation. This step allows you to identify any design flaws or adjustments needed before moving forward with larger-scale production. Quality Assurance Make sure that the CNC machine shop offers robust quality assurance processes. This may involve performing inspections both during and after machining to verify that parts meet your specifications. Quality assurance is vital in creating products that exceed both customer standards and your own. Communication According to a report, 83% of business leaders view communication as extremely important for any company's success. Communicate clearly and openly with the CNC machine shop throughout your project. Regular updates, discussions about progress, and addressing any issues promptly can prevent misunderstandings and ensure that the project stays on track. Post-Production Services Consider what post-production services the CNC machine shop can offer. This may include assembly, finishing, and packaging services that can save you time and resources by streamlining the final stages of production. Final Thoughts Working with a CNC machine shop can be transformative for your manufacturing projects, with its precision, efficiency, and versatility helping you bring ideas to reality with unrivaled quality. By following these steps and developing a collaborative and communicative relationship with your CNC shop partner, you can ensure an amazing partnership that delivers incredible results. So, if you want to take your manufacturing to new heights consider teaming up with one now to maximize the full potential of your designs. Read Also: How To Reduce The Operating Cost of Your Business? Having Business in Foreigner Country, Advantages and Disadvantages Green Business Opportunities for Eco-Entrepreneurs

READ MOREDetails