Behind the scenes, innovative growers work hard to develop new species of fruits and vegetables for consumer enjoyment. The last “veggie of the future” was introduced in 1993 and called the Broccolini…
That was until this past year. Science’s latest creation is a hybrid veggie called Kalettes, which are as adorable as they are delicious!
The British vegetable seed house, Tozer Seeds, has been working on this non-GMO hybrid for over 15 years and the result is one of the most versatile and nutritiously packed veggies on the market today.
Looking like a tiny cabbage with green and purple coloring, Kalettes are a fusion of kale and brussels sprouts and are described as having a “sweet and nutty” flavor. The heart of the vegetable is more like a brussels sprout, but the leafy edges resemble kale (and make it look like a flower!). A single Kalette can fit in the palm of your hand, how sweet!?
Kalettes lend themselves to be steamed, roasted, or grilled as well as consumed raw. While being edible in any way, these pretty little vegetables are full of power! Inheriting positive traits from both mom and dad (kale and brussels sprouts), consuming 1.5 cups of raw Kalettes, or only 50 calories worth, provides over 100% of a day’s worth of vitamin K, 40% of daily vitamin C, and 10% of recommended daily calcium and vitamin B-6 intake. Not to mention a number of other vitamins and nutrients like potassium, magnesium, fiber and folate.
Kalettes cook much faster than brussels sprouts and can be substituted for brussels sprouts and kale in most recipes. However, the real beauty of Kalettes is their simplicity. Toss them in some olive oil and roast for a few minutes to have a quick, tasty, and (do I need to say it again) cute snack! You can mix it up by adding different seasonings to get a variety of flavors. Sure to be a party hit!
Up until recently, the Kalette was enjoyed in limited circles and exclusively in Britain, however since its trip over the pond, it is becoming more and more available in groceries like Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods. Kalette seeds are also available for purchase online from retailers like Johnny’s Seeds and could be a fun addition to your garden next spring!
