Palm tree-like fronds are a characteristic of the black Italian cabbage. Also called Tuscan kale, Toscano kale and Lecano kale, these curly-edged leaves grow out of a central stalk. When the central stalk of this Tuscan kale is harvested, mini-black cabbages are produced on the stalk. This variety offers its very own subtle green cabbage flavor that has a tangy bite with an almost sweet aftertaste.

Nutritional Value

Low in calories, cabbage offers vitamin C, folic acid, calcium, and potassium. It is said cabbage stimulates the immune system and prevents cancer. Cabbage juice is claimed to be helpful for arthritis, gastric ulcers, depression, and gout.

Serving Ideas

Young raw leaves are tasty in salads. Pairs with beans or pork. Cook until soft in olive oil with a generous amount of garlic for a palate-pleasing side dish. To use kale leaves as food wrappers, blanch leaves briefly in lightly salted water. Place cubes of favorite cheese in leaf; wrap and bake. Shrimp or prawn tails are excellent choices for wrapping in these spunky tasting leaves. Risotto is superb wrapped in kale leaves and gently braised.

Ethnic/Cultural Info

A mythical Italian Franciscan monk, Friar Foreteller in his almanac provided tips on home cures that utilize vegetables, herbs and fruit. The entire cabbage family is esteemed in his writings for its scar-healing, disinfectant, anti-rheumatic, decongestant and anti-diabetic powers. Blanched cabbage leaves can be applied topically to burns or irritated skin for relief.

Geography/History

Italian cabbage is an international hybrid and a prized Tuscan specialty referred to as cavolo nero or black cabbage in English. Abundantly available in Tuscany, black cabbage supplies are very limited in other parts of the world. Italian cuisine especially favors this cabbage in the cold-weather cooking season. A member of the Crucifer or mustard family, cabbage is a prehistoric Mediterranean wild plant. Classified by its many forms, cabbage is diversified into leaves (kale), heads (common or Savoy cabbage), gems (Brussels sprouts), hypertrophied flowers (broccoli and cauliflower), or into roots (turnips).

Seasons/Availability

Black Italian cabbage is available year round with winter crops offering the best quality.