10 Unique Varieties of Kale to Delight Your Palate
10 Delicious Types of Kale
Kale isn’t just trendy—it’s a nutritional powerhouse packed with healthy plant compounds like glucosinolates, flavonoids, carotenoids, and vitamin C. Because of these benefits, kale appears in everything from green smoothies to soups and even superfood capsules. And if you love fresh produce, you might be pleasantly surprised to know that kale is one of the easiest vegetables to grow at home!
You might only be familiar with one or two varieties of kale, but did you know that there are many different types? These varieties come in a range of colors, textures, and flavors, and each has its own unique nutrient profile. Curious about what makes each one special? Let’s dive into 10 distinct and delicious types of kale that you may want to add to your plate.
1. Winterbor Kale
Winterbor is a favorite among both commercial farms and home gardeners. Its bluish-green, curly leaves not only make it visually appealing but also allow it to tolerate freezing temperatures. This hardy variety grows up to 3 feet tall and is best when cooked, though you can even add raw leaves to a smoothie or salad. Ever tried making kale chips? Winterbor’s thick leaves are perfect for them!
2. Lacinato Kale (Tuscan or Dinosaur Kale)
Known for its tender, dark green, blade-shaped leaves, Lacinato kale hails from Italy and is celebrated in traditional Tuscan cooking. It’s a fantastic source of fiber, vitamins C and K, and even minerals like magnesium and zinc—nutrients that many people don’t get enough of. Add Lacinato kale raw to salads or gently cook it in soups and frittatas to enjoy its delicate flavor.
3. Red Russian Kale
Despite its name, Red Russian kale has slate-green leaves accented by dark purplish stems. This variety is naturally sweet and tender, making it ideal as “baby leaf” kale in fresh salads. It withstands cold climates well, so if you live in a cooler area, why not try growing it yourself?
4. Scarlet Kale
Add a pop of color to your garden or plate with Scarlet kale. With its striking purple leaves and stalks, this variety becomes even more vibrant as temperatures drop. What’s more, Scarlet kale is rich in alpha tocopherol—an essential form of vitamin E that acts as an antioxidant, protects your cells, and supports your immune system.
5. Redbor Kale
If you're looking to brighten up your meals, consider Redbor kale. Its deep reddish-purple, frilly leaves not only look enticing but also offer a crisp texture when eaten raw and a tender bite when cooked. Have you ever noticed how some foods taste even better in cooler weather? That’s Redbor for you!
6. Beira Kale
Originating from Portugal, Beira kale—sometimes called Portuguese cabbage or sea kale—has wavy green leaves that are perfect for traditional Portuguese kale soup. You can also peel its thick stems and enjoy them like celery. This variety is loaded with indoles, powerful compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.
7. Walking Stick Kale
Did you know some kale can grow as tall as 12 feet? Walking Stick kale, also known by names such as walking cabbage or tall jacks, has been cultivated in Europe for centuries. Its tall stalks were even varnished and used as canes in the past. While the younger leaves are great for salads, the tougher, mature ones work well for animal feed.
8. Darkibor Kale
Darkibor is a curly kale celebrated for its dark green color and tightly curled leaves. Growing up to 20 inches tall, its leaves are versatile—ideal for kale chips, stir-fries, soups, or raw in salads. Taste tests even rank Darkibor among the top preferred kale types. Plus, it’s known for having beneficial prebiotic fibers that support digestive health.
9. Thousandhead Kale
Technically a non-kale cabbage, Thousandhead kale, or branching borecole, is an ancient French variety boasting massive leaves up to 3 feet long and growing as tall as 6 feet. Its slightly curled edges make it easier to spot pests, and you can enjoy its larger leaves cooked in soups or its younger, tender leaves raw in refreshing salads.
10. Japanese Flowering Kale
Last but not least, Japanese flowering kale is arguably the most eye-catching variety on our list. With a stunning rosette shape, a vibrant fuschia center, and fringed green leaves, it’s often used as a decorative element in gardens during cool months. And don’t be fooled by its beauty—a sweet flavor means you can enjoy it raw in salads or cooked to crisp perfection as kale chips.
Even if your local grocery store only stocks one or two types of kale, the world of kale is brimming with variety. Each type offers a unique flavor and nutritional punch—rich in fiber, calcium, and vitamins C and K. Whether you’re tossing a salad or brewing up a hearty soup, kale is a fantastic way to boost your nutrition.
So why not try growing a few types in your garden? Check out seed suppliers like Johnny’s Seeds, Baker Creek, or High Mowing Seeds to get started. Have you ever wondered which type of kale might become your new favorite?