What does kale taste like?

The leaves from a kale plant are often described as having an earthy flavor, with a sweeter taste when the plant is in peak season. Kale is in season, from midwinter through early spring. When one is picking kale, it is best to choose firm, deeply colored leaves that show no signs of wilting.

There are various types of kale, including curly kale, ornamental kale and dinosaur kale, each having its own distinct flavor. Curly kale has a bitter and peppery taste, while ornamental kale has a mild flavor that is good for salads. Dinosaur kale has a sweeter taste. The size of kale leaves is an indicator of flavor, as smaller leaves have a milder taste than larger leaves.