To harvest blue kale, you will need to follow a few simple steps. Blue kale, also known as Russian kale or Siberian kale, is a beautiful and nutritious vegetable that can be enjoyed in a variety of dishes. Here is a detailed guide on how to harvest this delicious plant:
1. Timing: Blue kale is best harvested when the leaves are young and tender, usually around 8-10 inches in length. This is when the flavor is at its peak, and the leaves are not too tough or bitter. However, you can also harvest older leaves if you prefer a stronger flavor.
2. Tools: Before you start harvesting, gather the necessary tools. You will need a sharp pair of garden scissors or pruning shears. These will help you cut the leaves cleanly without damaging the plant.
3. Harvesting technique: When harvesting blue kale, it’s important to cut the leaves rather than pulling them off the plant. This prevents damage to the central growing point and encourages new growth. Start by selecting the outer leaves, as they tend to be the oldest. Cut the leaves close to the base, just above the stem. Aim to harvest about one-third of the leaves at a time, allowing the plant to continue growing.
4. Harvesting frequency: Blue kale is a fast-growing plant, and you can often harvest leaves every 1-2 weeks during the growing season. As long as you leave the central growing point intact, the plant will continue to produce new leaves throughout the season.
5. Storage: Once you have harvested the blue kale leaves, it’s important to properly store them to maintain their freshness. Rinse the leaves thoroughly with water to remove any dirt or debris. You can then store them in a plastic bag or airtight container in the refrigerator. Blue kale can stay fresh for up to a week when stored this way.
6. Using the leaves: Blue kale leaves can be used in a variety of dishes, both raw and cooked. Try adding them to salads, smoothies, or sautéing them with garlic and olive oil for a delicious side dish. The possibilities are endless!
Personal tip: I have been growing blue kale in my garden for several years now, and I find that the leaves are most flavorful when harvested in the early morning. The cool temperatures and higher moisture content in the leaves contribute to their crispness and taste. Additionally, I like to leave a few leaves on the plant to let them mature into beautiful flowering stalks. These can be a great addition to floral arrangements or left as a food source for beneficial insects.
Harvesting blue kale is a simple and enjoyable process. By following these steps, you can ensure that your blue kale plants continue to produce abundant and delicious leaves throughout the growing season. Happy harvesting!
