National Kale Day

Young woman holding a vibrant bunch of kale, wearing a fitness outfit, surrounded by lush greenery in a park.. — National kale day illustration

Popeye, muscle fanatics, and health junkies, brace yourselves for the day of the 'superfood' Queen - National Kale Day! A day as vibrant as the robust emerald leaves of its lettuce-shaped protagonist, this day is a tribute to kale, tucked into our salads, blitzed into our smoothies, and tossed into almost...well, everything!

When is Kale Day?

It's national kale day on the 7th October.

A Brief History of National Kale Day

If there's one leafy greens popularity contest, Kale would undoubtedly be the prom king. National Kale Day is annually celebrated on the first Wednesday in October, and you guessed it, it's all about glorifying the glory of kale. With 7437 mentions online, the green superstar celebrated its heyday on 07 Oct 2015. So how did National Kale Day sprout? The concept of dedicating an entire day to this nutrient-packed leafy green was the brainchild of Drew Ramsey, M.D. and Chef Jennifer Iserloh, who wanted to celebrate Kale's health benefits and culinary versatility. They officially started the tradition in 2013 with a mission to 'Kale-ebrate'!

Kale Yeah, It’s Healthy!

Kale is renowned for its superfood status. Seriously, if there's a vegetable equivalent of a superhero, it's kale. Rich in vitamins A, K, and C, it's like a health multivitamin disguised as a curly green leaf. It's a fantastic way to take care of your dietary needs while enjoying a crunchy salad or a steaming bowl of kale soup.

Spreading Leafy Love

As we all know, the best way to celebrate a food day is to gulp it down. Those who love kale, love it a LOT. Expect kale salads, kale chips, and even kale-infused drinks. Yes, you heard it right. They are all delicious ways to honor this leafy celebrity or should we say 'kale-ebrity’?

What can Kale do for you?

Well, aside from feeding your health obsession, it's a terrific source of fiber. That’s right, folks. Kale is here to keep your digestive system happy and functioning at its best. How else could we possibly kale-ebrate?

History behind the term 'Kale'

500 BCE

Ancient Origins

Kale traces its roots back to ancient times, specifically around 500 BCE. It is believed to have originated in the Eastern Mediterranean, in what is now Turkey and Syria. The ancient Greeks and Romans were both familiar with kale and its nutritional benefits. They cultivated several types of kale, including the curly-leafed variety that is still popular today.

17th Century

Spread throughout Europe

Kale made its way to Europe in the 17th century, where its popularity began to soar. European explorers and traders brought the vegetable to new lands, including England and Scotland. Kale became a staple in European cooking, especially during the colder months when other fresh vegetables were scarce. Its hardy nature and ability to withstand frost made it a valuable crop.

19th Century

Introduction to America

Kale found its way to America in the 19th century with the influx of European immigrants. It quickly became a favored vegetable in American cuisine, particularly in the southern states. In fact, it became so popular in the southern United States that it is often referred to as 'southern greens.' Kale became an essential ingredient in dishes such as collard greens, which are a staple of soul food.

21st Century

Kale Craze

In recent years, kale has experienced a meteoric rise in popularity. It has become a trendy superfood and is recognized for its numerous health benefits. This newfound fame has led to the creation of various kale-centric dishes, such as kale chips, kale smoothies, and kale salads. Kale has even become a symbol of clean eating and healthy living. Today, you can find kale in nearly every grocery store and it has become a staple in many households around the world.