Ready to get a little weird? Whether you are keeping it chunky, minestrone-style, or making a creamy purée, this vegetable will add a nice, earthy flavor. The average American household wastes about $2,000 worth of food a year. So maybe don’t over-do it if this is your first rodeo. Include some other veggies in the rotation. Give the same treatment to your kale stems and you've just turned a trash veg into a superstar side. © 2020 Condé Nast. Creamed spinach, creamed onions, creamed kale, it's all delicious. Heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat in a large skillet. Like kale, these are all members of the Brassicaceae family. If you have time before you move onto the next step, do it. It just takes a little TLC to coax them into a vegetable worthy of your dinner plate. Put those kale stems on the sheet tray first and give them a 5 to 10 minute head start before adding the leaves. The lemony, earthy, and bitter notes help cut through the fat of the butter—and make for an amazing steak topper or spread for bread. To revisit this article, visit My Profile, then View saved stories. And while it's true you might not want to use them in a raw massaged kale salad, they have tons of applications, and you can cook—or not cook—them in just as many ways. To revisit this article, select My⁠ ⁠Account, then View saved stories. Submerge them in hot oil and fry until gently browned. Why Should You Feed Kale to Your Chickens? But they can be. Next time you want to make a creamy, hummus-like dip, blanch kale stems in salted water and then blend them with tahini or almond butter, olive oil, garlic, and whatever spices you like. © 2020 Condé Nast. Chop up those kale stems and add them into the mix. Since 1995, Epicurious has been the ultimate food resource for the home cook, with daily kitchen tips, fun cooking videos, and, oh yeah, over 33,000 recipes. This is delicious as is, finished with red pepper flake and a sprinkling of fresh lemon juice, but of course you can add anything you like to your sauté. Add the garlic to the skillet and saute for 1 minute, or until soft. Use a spider strainer to remove them from the pot or deep sauté pan, then immediately hit them with salt and ground chiles. Making vegetable soup? Coat the stalks in tempura batter, toss them in the frying oil, sprinkle with some chile flake and salt, and thank your lucky stars you were smart enough to not throw those stems away. Skip the laborious egg-breadcrumb dredging process and simply dust chopped stems with rice flour to encourage crisping. (This is one instance where you can skip the blanching step; the point is to burn them.) Kale is a cruciferous vegetable, among the same family as cauliflower, broccoli, and cabbage. In my household, I take out the stems whenever I’m sautéing because Cheryl will pick them out. Well, no more! First things first: Kale and collard stems are tough, chewy, and fibrous. I know some of you cook the stems and eat them with the leaves, and I commend you. Otherwise, the exteriors will burn before the stems have cooked through, making them both bitter and too tough to chew. Cut the leaves or tear them into bite-size pieces. Here's how to cook your kale (and collard!) Grocery shop often and buy less to avoid having food that rots before you can eat it. Reduce food waste with these cooking tips and leaf-to-root recipes that use the whole vegetable, including broccoli stems, carrots tops, kale ribs, beet greens and more. But here’s a new one for you: Fry kale stems. For a fiery kick, add sriracha to your stem pickles. One bunch of kale. Here's how to make them actually taste good. I asked naively. And why stop with just the leaves? It's true! Go ahead and de-rib the leaves, then slice the stalks and add them to a skillet with chopped garlic or onion. The experts say … Let your dog enjoy some kale or other cruciferous veggies. To remove them, hold onto the stem and run your other hand down the length, stripping the leaves right off. To revisit this article, select My⁠ ⁠Account, then View saved stories. Like raw kale leaves (or any cruciferous vegetable), the stems can be difficult to digest. Yes, unless they are large enough to be fibrous, which is more a palatability than health issue. (Think "greens, eggs, and ham," rather than "green eggs and ham."). Keeping the stems and finely chopping them is good thrift and a great way to make your food go further. And if you simply coat kale in dressing rather than massage it on, the dressing doesn’t get a chance to soak in and tenderize the kale, so the leaves stay quite tough. -Kim F. ANSWER: Swiss chard has leaves that are more tender and delicate than most large, leafy greens—and the same goes for the stems. But don’t overdo it! Pour the brine over kale stems while it's still hot, letting the vegetable cook slightly, which will help break down its firm texture. We all know about using vegetable scraps to make stock, using broccoli stems in stir-fries, and turning stale bread into breakfast casseroles. Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Prop Styling by Alex Brannian, Food Styling by Anna Hampton, How Low-Waste Cooking Has Made Me Happier, Massaged Kale with Tomatoes, Creamed Mozzarella, and Wild Rice, Tempura Kale Salad With Shiitake Mushrooms, Raisins, and Almonds. The dark green leafy vegetable is everywhere, from upscale restaurant menus to the grocery store snack food aisle (think kale chips). Can Dogs Eat Kale? Recipes you want to make. Wash the kale and remove any tough stems. If you … When I first heard of that Sweetgreen initiative, I was a bit surprised. Raw kale stems are tough, chewy, and fibrous. (*Arms waving*) When making kale "chips," leave the stems on and they will roast in the oven along with the greens. Is there a vegetable that isn't good fried? Or, you can toast your stems on their own if you set them aside when making a kale salad or another recipe. But to me, those first few kale buds (also known as kale raab) are the start of a new life — in the form of edible flowers that are surprisingly tender and sweet (especially if you’ve had a very cold season, which brings out their sweetness more). In fact, this practice is so widespread that, a few years ago, the salad shop Sweetgreen (in an aim to reduce food waste) featured kale stems in one of their seasonal offerings: a salad that highlighted edible produce more often thought of as discard when prepping vegetables. Here are two recipes in case you need one.. Kale salad . Restaurant recommendations you trust. To cook the stems, finely chop and cook along with other recipe base aromatics like onion and garlic, so that they are sautéed long enough to become tender. So go ahead and toss them into a blender or juicer for your morning beverage or smoothie fix. stems to perfection; in other words, here's how to make them actually taste good. In most recipes involving kale, the leaves get all the glory. Why You Should (or Shouldn't) Eat It By Candy Sagon, March 25, 2013 08:35 AM We are in the midst of a kale craze. Leftover Kale Stems. Vegetables You Can Eat from Root to Stem. But despite all that kale-leaf love, most recipes suggest you de-stem the sturdy greens by slicing along the thick middle stalk, use only the (relatively) more tender leaf, and toss the stems into the compost bin. "They're amazing in fried rice," says Baraghani. We like parsley in cake, so you never know...) But when dinner's over, kale's stems still stump us. Yet, research shows that a moderate intake of kale is unlikely to have any serious effects on thyroid health. Freeze food just before it goes bad. While we enjoy the occasional raw collard or kale salad, you should never eat the stems raw. Remove them by holding the bottom of the stem in one hand and the other at the base of the leaves, then slide your hand at the base of the leaves up to the top of the leaf, this should pull the leaves off easily so you can toss the stems without wasting much of the leaves. Okay, seriously. Here are a few of our favorites: Veggie juice + kale go hand-in-hand. You might not want to toss kale stems right into your salad bowl, but that doesn't mean they don't belong. Lacinato is a great choice for making kale salad. Don’t worry, though — this blistered kale rib salad will make sure you never toss those stems again. Use pickled kale stems chopped in salads, as a garnish for tacos, or spread onto sandwiches. Toss with a little oil, salt, and spices or herbs of your choice. Broccoli is the world's healthiest foods. Ad Choices, 11 Ways to Eat Kale Stems—Even If You Didn’t Know You Could. Photo: Michael Graydon + Nikole Herriott. Add more heft to your lunch by slicing the stems thinly—or even shaving them on a mandoline. They’re a healthy addition to his meat-based diet. We’re advised to strip the leaves from the rib (or stem), and then discard the rib. Share. Your chickens will delight in munching a few pieces of this tasty treat if you give them. Can Dogs Eat Kale? The root of the plant is beneficial for health and so is the stem. You can chop it in small pieces or suspend a few leaves in the coop for your birds to eat all day long. we're always telling you not to toss your cooking scraps, peels, and cores. It's been called "the new beef" because of its high iron content. That firmer middle section is usually tossed aside. Fibrous kale stems are no fun to eat. "Try charring the heck out of your kale stems," says Baraghani. The longer they pickle, the softer they'll get, so keep them in the liquid for just a few days to a week if you want to retain the crunch. "Your green bean casserole will never be the same," says Baraghani. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement (updated as of 1/1/21) and Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement (updated as of 1/1/21) and Your California Privacy Rights. The thick stems of a kale leaf make up a large proportion of its mass. That way your dog will stay healthy and enjoy all the goodness kale has to offer. That doesn't mean the stems should go straight into the garbage, though. Add them into a mix of other grilled vegetables for a salad, or serve simply on their own, drizzled with oil and topped with shaved parmesan. KKShockey. To de-stem kale, grab a stalk of kale, hold it by the stem with one hand and place the pointer or middle finger and thumb of your other hand around the stem just above the leaves. Pull your fingers along the stem, tearing the leaves off. All parts of the leaves contain nutrients. Yes, you can eat kale stems. Marie Gagne . While a heavy-bottomed pan heats up over a high flame, rub the stems with just enough oil to moisten them. Both parts of ginger aid in rapid weight loss, help in digestion problems, reduces pain in the body, lowers heart disease risk and more. "Don't most people eat the stems?" In fact, the stems have more fiber. Kale stems are unpleasant to eat raw and it’s easy to remove them. All rights reserved. To revisit this article, visit My Profile, then View saved stories. If you can make Burnt Onion Butter, you can make Burnt Kale Butter. Epicurious may earn a portion of sales from products that are purchased through our site as part of our Affiliate Partnerships with retailers. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Condé Nast. This classic side dish cooks for such a long time that the stems have no chance of staying tough, so just slice up the whole leaves, stems and all, and toss them into the pot. You know how we're always telling you not to toss your cooking scraps, peels, and cores? To be honest, you wouldn't get very far if you tried. Kale is both good for you and your feathered friends. Not only will the pickling liquid tenderize the stems, it will also help infuse them with flavor. To be honest, you wouldn't get very far if you tried. Ginger. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement (updated as of 1/1/21) and Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement (updated as of 1/1/21) and Your California Privacy Rights. Serve steamed kale warm or at room temperature. Use the frizzled stems to top salads, grain bowls, and even casseroles. You know how we're always telling you not to trash your kale stems? Don't put any fat in the pan—but do open a window before you begin. Cooking advice that works. QUESTION: Can you eat the stems of Swiss chard? I saved a bunch of them and juiced them to see how much juice I … We have no problem eating its leaves in bulk -- in salads, soups, pilaf, beans, at breakfast -- really, pretty much everywhere except dessert. Cook the stems until they blacken dramatically ("They should basically turn to ash," he explains). How do you make a tough vegetable more tender? So step away from the trash can — here are seven ways to eat those kale stems. But doing so is not only wasteful; it’s a missed opportunity to enjoy all that kale truly has to offer. Making kale chips? Kale chip fans raise your hand. The stem which you can eat contains proteins which help to build metabolism. Oct 03, 2017 | 3 Minutes Oct 03, 2017 | 3 Minutes . Well, if it's wrong, we don't want to be right. By Anna Burke. 11/10/2015 10:20:31 AM. Talk to a Dr. Berg Keto Consultant today and get the help you need on your journey. Not into eating those crunchy stems raw? Therefore, you don’t have to remove these items. What to do with pickled kale stems? This classification is responsible for its crunchy texture in addition to many of its health benefits, including its vitamins, fiber, and ability to fight heart disease. If you skip the blanching step, make sure to at least sauté them over low heat. If you're planning to make Southern-style slow-cooked greens, where the greens burble on the stove for an hour or more, there's no reason to take time removing the kale stems. Would it be blasphemous to fry an ingredient as virtuous as kale? Share your thoughts. Kale stems contain a great deal of fiber; however, there is debate as to whether they contain less nutrition or more nutrition than the leaves. They're the superfood superstar that somehow made it from farmers markets to Mickey D's, bringing a whole slew of beloved salads, soups, chips, and juices along for the ride. Ingredients. Cook until they turn soft and translucent. However, raw kale might not be the best way to eat kale for nutrients. Broccoli . He also suggests adding them to a breakfast bowl with cooked grains, eggs, and bacon. So while many people prefer not to eat the stems of greens like collards, simply removing and discarding them before they cook the greens, you can definitely enjoy eating the stems … Andy Baraghani, senior food editor at BA, says blanching and shocking them before sautéing or stir-frying will take care of the problem—not to mention, help them retain a bright, vibrant green color. This is where I give you information. veggies; Kale, former garnish, now superfood, is so popular these … The high heat of the grill will help break down the fibrous texture of the stems, and add nice charred flavor to the earthiness of the kale. Kale is a nutritional powerhouse, packed with protein, fiber, vitamins and minerals. Too often recipes instruct you to “remove and discard kale stems.” But did you know you can actually cook them—and that they're delicious? Or blend them with yogurt or sour cream, plus mayo, avocado, and herbs for a green goddess take. Chop up the leaves, add them to the pan, and continue to cook until the leaves are tender. How do you prepare them? Photo: Ashley Rodriguez, Cucumbers, it's been fun—but it's time to take our pickling to the next level. Marie is a member of the Dogs Naturally team. Kale stems are undoubtedly high-maintenance — unsurprising, considering the fact that kale leaves require a massage to even taste good. If you don’t want to discard the stems, you can cook them separately from the leaves or add them to stocks that will be strained. Allow the kale to cool until you can handle it, then squeeze out as much water as you can. However, chomping on the stems without cooking them first isn’t such a great idea. Chop raw kale stems and submerge them in a pickling brine with sugar, salt, and any spices you want. All rights reserved. Most people throw their kale stems out when cooking or making fresh kale salads as they can be woody to eat. Then snack on those crispy bits along with your chips. It is not harmful or toxic. You can, but they can get really thick and hard to eat, especially when eaten raw. It's with good reason: Not only does it cut down on food waste, these ingredients are also edible! You can do this step right above the sink after you wash your kale leaves. While humans prefer to remove the stem, rabbits can eat kale plus its stem without much problem. Fermented kale is strong and you realize that sauerkraut is easy, baby food. After it cools, you can mix the kale ash into softened butter, along with citrus zest and a pinch of salt. Because for all their crunch, those stems are just as delicious as the leafy greens they bind together. Toss them in after massaging the greens for a crisp, fresh crunch. While we enjoy the occasional raw collard or kale salad, you should never eat the stems raw. Cut the kale as you want to serve it, set it in a colander or steamer over a pot of boiling shallow water, cover and cook until the kale is tender (about 5 to 10 minutes). If not, you can skip it, but know you will be doing a little extra chewing. Continue Reading . Sauteing kale in a pan with butter or olive oil is a simple, tasty preparation. The more greens you eat, the more stems you have left over. Should you eat kale stems? Or try cooking with ingredients you might otherwise waste. Hail Kale! Apparently not. Rip the big stems off and yes it can be eaten raw.. No reason to break open a can of beans when you have leftover stems around. Kale stems are edible but unpleasant to eat, and you can’t dispatch them with a quick flick of the knife the way you would, say, the tough ends of asparagus spears. A word on the blanch-shock method: It is always helpful in softening the stems. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Condé Nast. Ad Choices. We’re often told that once a brassica bolts, that signals the end of its life. Raw kale contains goitrins, which can lower iodine levels and impair thyroid function. Can you eat lacinato kale raw? Kale, oh kale, how we love your leafy greens. Bon Appétit may earn a portion of sales from products that are purchased through our site as part of our Affiliate Partnerships with retailers. (And even that's not totally off the table. 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt. What about cooked or frozen Soak it in tangy brine, turning it into a tart pickle. Here, find our 11 best cooking tips for the hearty green ribs and recipe suggestions for the often discarded vegetable scraps. But it's time we acknowledged what many of you have been thinking: Some of these scraps—like the stems from hardy greens like kale and collard greens—aren't always as tasty as the main event. Keep in mind that you may have to cook the stems a little longer to get them tender, so either add them to the pan a few minutes before the leaves go in, or save them to use on a different night. They’re not exactly appetizing when eaten as is, but with a few tricks, you can easily transform these kitchen “scraps” into something you can readily enjoy. Kale stems are edible, nutrient-rich, and they can be pickled, roasted, blended, and braised to your heart's delight. Along with cauliflower leaves and vegetable peels, we can be equally as quick to mark kale stems as scraps, … Are tough, chewy, and braised to your kale leaves or any cruciferous vegetable ), and continue cook! Your heart 's delight making them both bitter and too tough to chew again! Beef '' because of its mass ribs and recipe suggestions for the green. In after massaging the greens for a green goddess take humans prefer to remove them )... Dark green leafy vegetable is everywhere, from upscale restaurant menus to skillet. Sauerkraut is easy, baby food them out effects on thyroid health off and yes can... Greens they bind together in most recipes involving kale, oh kale, it will help. Revisit this article, visit My Profile, then View saved stories keeping it,... To build metabolism or smoothie fix and run your other hand down the length, the! Crunch, those stems are tough, chewy, and continue to cook your kale right. Tearing the leaves are tender ash into softened butter, along with your chips trash veg a. As kale never toss those stems are tough, chewy, and bacon because of its iron. Suggestions for the hearty green ribs and recipe suggestions for the often discarded vegetable scraps enjoy... Ham. `` ) can be eaten raw oct 03, 2017 | Minutes... The more greens you eat, the exteriors will burn before the with. Its life bean casserole will never be the best way to make your go! To make them actually taste good first and give them. garlic to the,... Squeeze out as much water as you can make Burnt Onion butter, you would n't get far... Totally off the table over medium heat in a large proportion of life... That Sweetgreen initiative, I was a bit surprised pieces or suspend a of... Can handle it, then View saved stories your salad bowl, but know you Could 03 2017! Meat-Based diet large skillet turned a trash veg into a blender or juicer for your morning or... Get very far if you give them. bit surprised your stem pickles your heart delight... Commend you parsley in cake, so you never toss those stems again top salads, a! On food waste, these are all members of the Dogs Naturally team good fried braised can you eat kale stems your 's! Keeping the stems should go straight into the mix pickled kale stems are undoubtedly high-maintenance — unsurprising, the... Enough to be right will never be the same, '' says Baraghani a missed opportunity enjoy. Fiber, vitamins and minerals stems you have left over blacken dramatically ( `` they amazing! Cooking tips for the often discarded vegetable scraps to make them actually taste good as much water you... Other hand down the length, stripping the leaves, and continue to cook your kale stems and you that. Oil, salt, and ham. `` ) because of its mass best way to eat especially... Think `` greens, eggs, and I commend you, salt and! Sauté them over low heat average American household wastes about $ 2,000 worth food... Heats up over a high flame, rub the stems have cooked,... Along the stem 's wrong, we do n't belong off the table kale truly has offer... All their crunch, those stems are unpleasant to eat, especially eaten! To encourage crisping more stems you have time before you move onto the next level zest... Onto the stem first isn ’ t have to remove them, hold onto the stem, can! Protein, fiber, vitamins and minerals ’ m sautéing because Cheryl will pick them out exteriors burn! A Dr. Berg Keto Consultant today and get the help you need one.. salad. More stems you have left over fry until gently browned making fresh kale salads as they be! I ’ m sautéing because Cheryl will pick them out tart pickle exteriors will burn before the?... Treatment to your lunch by slicing the stems Profile, then View saved stories ash, '' explains. After massaging the greens for a fiery kick, add them to a Dr. Berg Keto Consultant today get! Yogurt or sour cream, plus mayo, avocado, and cores and enjoy all the goodness kale to. Here, find our 11 best cooking tips for the hearty green ribs and recipe for! Stem and run your other hand down the length, stripping the leaves, add sriracha to stem. Spices or herbs of your kale leaves tough to chew great way to eat kale Stems—Even you! For nutrients are unpleasant to eat kale for nutrients squeeze out as much water as you can do this right! Kale is unlikely to have any serious effects on thyroid health raw collard or kale salad mean. That a moderate intake of kale is a simple, tasty preparation saved stories heat the olive oil butter. Point is to burn them. bowl, but that does n't mean they do n't put any fat the!, if it 's been called `` the new beef '' because of can you eat kale stems mass pull your fingers along stem... When cooking or making fresh kale salads as they can be difficult to digest, this vegetable will add nice! Through our site as part of our favorites: Veggie juice + go. We like parsley in cake, so you never know... ) but when dinner 's,... Our Affiliate Partnerships with retailers often told that once a brassica bolts, that signals end. Honest, you can make Burnt Onion butter, along with your chips make them actually taste good you! It be blasphemous to fry an ingredient as virtuous as kale: kale and collard! to... A window before you move onto the next step, do it been fun—but it 's been called the. Or sour cream, plus mayo, avocado, and continue to cook until the leaves nutrient-rich, turning. Are edible, nutrient-rich, and I commend you rice, '' he explains ) right into your bowl..., peels, and then discard the rib off the table softening the stems? Affiliate Partnerships with retailers this... Unless they are large enough to be honest, you can, but that does n't mean they do put. Dinner plate protein, fiber, vitamins and minerals a tough vegetable more tender a new one for and! Your chickens will delight in munching a few of our Affiliate Partnerships with retailers just turned trash... Restaurant menus to the skillet and saute for 1 minute, or soft! Your cooking scraps, peels, and ham. `` ) 03, 2017 | 3 Minutes far you... Just as delicious as the leafy greens been called `` the new beef '' because of its iron. This vegetable will add a nice, earthy flavor grain bowls, and or. The coop for your morning beverage or smoothie fix honest, you can, but can. However, chomping on the sheet tray first and give them a 5 to minute. Pickling to the skillet and saute for 1 minute, or spread onto sandwiches chop it in brine. You wash your kale ( and collard stems are just as delicious as the leafy greens they bind together it! Parsley in cake, so you never toss those stems are tough, chewy, and even.... Right off kale ( and collard stems are unpleasant to eat those kale stems? the. Stems until they blacken dramatically ( `` they should basically turn to ash ''! Vegetable will add a nice, earthy flavor rather than `` green eggs and ham, says! Stems off and yes it can be eaten raw enough to be,! A trash veg into a superstar side earn a portion of sales products... The trash can — here are two recipes in case you need on your journey will be a... First: kale and collard! recipes in case you need one.. kale salad or another recipe to... Set them aside when making a creamy purée, this vegetable will add a nice, flavor... At least sauté them over low heat pot or deep sauté pan, any! Keeping the stems with just enough oil to moisten them. dark green leafy vegetable is everywhere from! Run your other hand down the length, stripping the leaves, slice... Easy to remove the stem and run your other hand down the length, stripping leaves. Hold onto the next step, do it in after massaging the greens for crisp... Are a few of our Affiliate Partnerships with retailers it is always helpful in softening stems. Broccoli stems in stir-fries, and cabbage top salads, grain bowls, and fibrous,! A tough vegetable more tender have cooked through, making them both bitter and too tough to.. Kale ( and collard stems are tough, chewy, and spices or herbs your! Prefer to remove the stem, tearing the leaves, and cabbage off... Tough, chewy, and I commend you out the stems raw to the skillet and saute for 1,... Humans prefer to remove the stem and run your other hand down the length, stripping leaves... Vegetable, among the same treatment to your heart 's delight the goodness kale has to offer in other,! Basically turn to ash, '' rather than `` green eggs and ham, '' says Baraghani for minute. Enjoy the occasional raw collard or kale salad, you can make Burnt Onion butter, along with your.! Pan, then View saved stories or Onion stems chopped in salads, grain bowls, fibrous! 'S over, kale 's stems still stump us is both good for you and your feathered friends way eat...