sea kale

Sea kale, also known as sea colewort or sea cabbage, is a perennial vegetable that grows along coastal regions.

Scientific Name: Crambe maritima

Flavour: Sea kale has a unique flavor that can be described as a cross between cabbage and asparagus. It has a mild and slightly sweet taste.

Growing Season: Sea kale is typically harvested in the spring when the tender shoots emerge. The growing season varies depending on the region, but it generally starts in late winter or early spring and continues through early summer.

Native Region: Sea kale is native to the coastal areas of Europe, particularly in the United Kingdom, France, and Scandinavia.

Recipe: Sea kale can be prepared in various ways. Here's a simple recipe for steamed sea kale:

Ingredients:

  • 1 bunch of sea kale

  • 1 tablespoon of butter

  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Wash the sea kale thoroughly and remove any tough or damaged leaves.

  2. Cut the sea kale into bite-sized pieces.

  3. Fill a pot with a small amount of water and bring it to a boil.

  4. Place the sea kale in a steamer basket and put it over the boiling water.

  5. Cover the pot with a lid and steam the sea kale for about 5-7 minutes, or until it becomes tender.

  6. Remove the steamed sea kale from the heat and drain any excess water.

  7. In a separate pan, melt the butter over medium heat.

  8. Add the steamed sea kale to the pan and toss it in the butter.

  9. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

  10. Serve the steamed sea kale as a side dish.

Health Properties: Sea kale is a nutritious vegetable that is low in calories and high in vitamins and minerals. It is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin K, calcium, and dietary fiber. Sea kale is also rich in antioxidants, which can help protect against oxidative stress and inflammation.

Growing Techniques: Sea kale prefers sandy or gravelly soil and thrives in full sun or partial shade. It is well-suited to coastal gardens and can tolerate salty conditions. It is usually propagated through seeds or root cuttings. The plants should be spaced around 2 feet apart to allow sufficient room for growth. Sea kale is a hardy plant that can withstand cold temperatures.