How to Harvest Kale

Kale is a hearty vegetable that prefers the cold weather, and if cared for correctly can produce a surplus of leaves throughout every season, including the winter. The time frame for harvesting kale is a personal decision, loosely based on flavor preferences. For those that require a lighter side to kale’s taste, younger leaves will suffice. But for those that like the more pungent and bold flavor of kale, the matured leaves of fall are preferable.

Things You'll Need

• Kale crop
• Mulch

Instructions

1. Harvest your kale immediately after the first frost. This is the best time to remove leaves from your kale plants for cooking and salads. Frost actually enhances the flavor of kale, and for plants that were sewn in the spring, their fall maturity will allow them to survive through winter.

2. Pick what you need throughout the season. Kale can be harvested soon after the plants begin to grow leaves. Younger leaves can be a tasty addition to some salads, and the more mature leaves become more flavorful as they grow. Leaves can be taken from the kale up until they are covered by a blanket of snow.

3. Protect your kale with a thick layer of mulch if you wish to continue harvesting throughout the winter. Since kale prefers colder temperatures, their flavors become intensified in the winter. If you prefer the winter flavor, protect your kale from the snow, in order to enjoy their tasty leaves when it thaws.

4. Remove the outer leaves of the Kale plant as it matures, for a continuous cycle of growth. The center of the kale plant containing the bud will continue to produce fresh leaves when the outer ones are removed. By following this rule of thumb, you can expect a vast amount of kale production to suit your needs.

5. Choose leaves that are bright green and fresh, as opposed to yellowed leaves, when harvesting kale for eating. The yellowish leaves can produce an undesirable taste, and their limp appearance may be unappetizing.

Tips & Warnings

• Because of its hardy nature and colorful look, kale can be used for ornamental purposes to enhance your fall landscape.

• It is recommended to remove any leaves that lay directly on the surface of the soil while harvesting. These leaves should not be eaten, but discarded because they can become moldy due to the moisture in the soil.

• Refrigerated kale should be discarded after three days, after that it loses its freshness and the taste can become unappealing.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish