Kale is very good for you as it is rich in many heart-healthy vitamins, but many people are reluctant to eat this controversial vegetable due to its bitter taste. When you chew kale, it breaks down glucosinolates, natural compounds that release a sharp, pungent flavour that many people find off-putting.
However, Jess Larson, a cook and founder of Plays Well with Butter has shared that kale can be incredibly tasty as long as you prepare it properly by massaging it. She said: “Massaging kale is an easy, two-minute step that makes all the difference in enjoying this hearty raw green. It’s as simple as rubbing chopped kale with fresh lemon juice or your favourite vinaigrette. The acid breaks down the toothsome texture of the greens, making the kale easier to chew, less bitter-tasting, and way more enjoyable to eat.”
It may sound utterly bizarre, but the compounds which make kale bitter release when this leafy green is cut into, so moving it around before breaking down the tough fibres.
Not only does this mellow it out to make the kale less bitter, but it also softens the texture so it is less chewy and difficult to eat.
Kale is best message with an oil or acidic substance like lemon juice or a salad vinaigrette as it helps add richness to neutralise the bitterness.
It makes the kale much more flavourful but also lubricates it to make it much softer, to also help tenderise it.
How to make kale tasty and less bitter
It all begins when you are at the supermarket, as fresh kale tends to have a much milder flavour as it contains fewer glucosinolates. Try to buy whole kale leaves instead of pre-shredded kale for an even better taste.
Kale stems are the bitterest part of the vegetable, so it is best to remove them. Simply use your fingers to slide down the stem so the leaves naturally come off.
Then, cut the stem into small bite-sized pieces, as this also helps remove the bitter taste. Keep piling all the leaves on top of each other and chopping them into a tight bundle to properly shred them.
Now are ready to massage the kale. Place it in a large bowl and then drizzle with olive oil, lemon juice or a vinaigrette of your choice. Season with a pinch of salt and then work the liquid into the leaves for two minutes.
You will know the kale is less bitter when it turns a more vibrant green, looks shiny, and may also look slightly wilted.
Then, your tasty kale is ready to eat. You can roast it at this stage if you wish, but it also tastes amazing when served in a salad.
