4 Reasons Why You (Think You) Don’t Like Kale
If you don’t love kale, let me encourage you to give this leafy green another chance! Here are a few reasons why you may not be loving that kale salad.
I can’t tell you how many times I hear people say “I really want to like kale, but I just don’t like the taste/texture/flavor.” And I get it. Kale might be trendy but it isn’t something that you’ll love at first bite… if it’s not prepared correctly. So I thought I’d share the common mistakes people make when preparing kale that might cause you to think you don’t like it.
You’re not removing the kale stems
Kale stems are extremely bitter and very hard to chew. If you just chop up your kale without removing the stems, you’ll find yourself chewing and chewing and wondering why you decided to eat a tree for dinner. Do yourself a favor and de-stem the kale. You can either fold the leaves in half and slice the stem off or you can just tear the leaves right off the stem.
You’re not massaging the kale
Kale is a tough green and it needs a little massaging to make it tender. If you’re wondering “why is kale so hard to chew?” it’s because it’s a very tough green. It really needs to be massaged to make it easier to chew. After you’ve washed your kale, you want to literally massage it with your hands. I typically massage the dressing right in. My easiest combination is just lemon juice, olive oil, salt + pepper. You can pour the lemon juice and olive oil on top and then work it in with your fingers. You want to soften the kale just a bit. All you need is a minute or two of working the kale in your hands, then you’re ready to go!
You’re trying too many unfamiliar things at once
When I’m trying a new food (or trying to get someone else to try a new food) it usually helps to pair it with something familiar. You’ve probably seen kale caesar salads popping up everywhere and while it might not be the healthiest option (let’s be real, it’s creamy dressing, croutons, and cheese) it can be a good way to get used to the texture and taste of kale. Once you’ve found a familiar way to enjoy it, you might be more adventurous the next time!
You’re not using the right dressing
Kale is a very bitter green and it needs something to help soften it a bit. An acidic dressing will help break down the fiber in the kale which will make it easier to chew. As I mentioned before, I love using lemon juice and olive oil but it’s also great with white balsamic or apple cider vinegar.
I did not know about massaging kale! I think I might have to try this and give kale another go! I’m not good with bitter food in general, but I want to start branching out and trying more foods!
Great tips! I like kale in salads with lots of dressing :), in soups and in juices. If you pair it with the right ingredients you are in for a treat., aren’t you? 🙂
This is a great post! I remember the first time I made kale and did not get rid of the stems!! Yikes…bitterness. I need to remember to massage it though!!
I am gonna have to share this with my daughter as the only way she eats kale is if it’s pulverized in a blender or in a curry!! On the other hand, I actually am one of those oddballs that actually LOVES kale – stems and all! 🙂
These are all great tips. I like kale a lot but it does take some prep work before getting it ready.
I really think I still don’t like kale…I’ve done all of the above and I still just don’t feel the desire to seek it out. Sure, I’ll eat it in salads, slaws, and soups, but it’s not an end goal.
The right dressing is key!!
Great tips Liz! I feel the same way about quinoa. It’s all in how you prepare it!
These are great tips! I definitely agree with you about massaging it when you’re using it raw in salads – it definitely helps break it down and make it more tender.
Love this post. I’ve met so many anti-kale peeps, and I’m sure if they followed your tips, they could become new converts!