Originally there were probably umpteen different types of kale, but the variety is decreasing and nowadays there are hardly more than 10 types known - and even those only in traditional growing areas in northern Germany. Find out below what they are and what makes kale so special.
The leaf shape and color varies depending on the variety of kale
Green cabbage is also known as brown cabbage or Krauskohl and is now mainly grown in Central and Western Europe, Africa and North America. Originally it probably comes from the Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts and, like all types of cabbage, is a descendant of wild cabbage.
The kale in the profile
- Botanical name: Brassica oleracea var. sabellica L.
- Common names: brown cabbage, Krauskohl, kale (Switzerland), high cabbage, winter cabbage, stalk cabbage, Lippe palm, Oldenburger, Frisian palm
- Family: cruciferous family
- Sowing: early May
- Planting month: end of May
- Flowers: small, yellow flowers, second year flowering
- Harvest: depending on the type of kale from October to February
- Processing: blanched, boiled, fried, raw, in smoothies, as animal feed
The most important varieties at a glance
You will find various types of kale on the market, which differ in their leaf shape and color as well as their frost hardiness and growth height. Most kale varieties are harvested after the first frost, because then there are less bitter substances and more sugar in the leaves. An exception is the Italian variety Nero di Toscana, which can also be harvested before the frost. It is also ideal for container cultivation.
| Surname | leaves | growth height | frost hardiness | harvest | Others |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Frozen Macaw | juicy green, wide | up to 70cm | frost hardy | from October on | |
| Half-high green Krauser | dark green, medium strong | 80 to 90cm | medium | October to February | |
| cadet | dark green decorative leaves | 60 to 80cm | very frost hardy (down to -22°C) | October to February, after frost | |
| lark tongue | narrow, finely curled, slightly hanging leaves | half high | Well | October to January | |
| Nero di Tuscany | Blue-green, dark leaves | half high | low but heat resistant | until December, does not need frost | palm-like growth, well suited for container cultivation |
| Red kale Redbor | dark purple leaves, finely curled | about 80cm high | good frost hardiness | from September to | loses red color when cooked |
| western winter | finely curled | half high | frost hardy | December to February, after frost | |
| Winnetou | coarsely curled, dark green | up to 80cm | frost hardy | October to February | Subsequent cultivation of peas, lettuce or kohlrabi |
| winter bore | dark green leaves, heavily curled | half high | down to -15°C | November to April, after frost |