Everything You Need to Know About The Kale Craze

Ranging in color from deep green to red to purple, this leafy vegetable is truly one of the healthiest foods on the planet. One cup of chopped kale contains 9 percent of the average daily value of calcium, 134 percent of vitamin C, 206 percent of vitamin A and a startling 684 percent of vitamin K, all in only 33 calories. Also rich in minerals, copper, potassium, iron, manganese and phosphorus, kale contains cancer-fighting antioxidants as well as lutein and zeaxanthin, which promote eye health.

When selecting fresh kale, search for firm, deeply colored leaves with hardy stems. When refrigerated in an airtight, zipped plastic bag, kale will last up to five days if unwashed.

Having a plethora of uses in the kitchen, kale can be consumed raw as a substitute for lettuce in salads, blended into smoothies, thrown into soups or pasta sauces, steamed or even baked as a chip. To make kale chips, simply slice the leaves into bite-size pieces, toss with sea salt and olive oil and bake for 10 to 15 minutes at 350 degrees until brown and crispy.