What happens when two super foods like kale and Brussels sprouts are cojoined? The result is a super sprout – Kale Sprouts!
I have a love for spotlighting fruits and vegetables on Teenie Cakes. Over the years I’ve learned so much more about produce since starting this online journal that, that love has opened my eyes to healthier eating habits, a better respect for where my food comes from, my happiness in growing and nurturing an edible garden around our home -and- I have discovered my particular enjoyment in photographing them.
Featuring newly introduced fruits and vegetables is exciting for me, especially designing new ways to incorporate them in dishes. It’s a fresh palette. Intro the Kale Sprouts…
Kale Sprouts – Kalettes
At first glance, these sprouts catch your attention by their vibrant color and unusual smaller size. Pull them out of the package they came in, freshen them up with cool water to rinse and they perk up into pretty edible flowers.
Kale Sprouts, also referred to as:
- Kalettes™
- Lollipop Kale Sprouts®
- lollipop sprouts
- lollipop kale
have been around for years, but are only now receiving more attention and becoming commercially available. Home gardeners eager to grow their own, refer to the seeds as Flower Sprouts®.
Kale Sprouts – Kalettes
A hybrid long in the making, but around for nearly 20 years, it picks up on the food trend that super food kale and Brussels sprouts has made and cojoined into this smallish and colorful sprout! Like their ancestors, Kale Sprouts belong to Brassica oleracea, the same plant species which includes the likes of broccoli, cabbage, collard greens, cauliflower, kohlrabi, kale and Brussels sprouts.
What makes this new veggie so super? By comparison, 4 ounces of kale sprouts has more than 2x the amount of Vitamin B6 and twice the amount of Vitamin C found in Brussels sprouts. They also contain Vitamin K, Vitamin A, Iron and Calcium (source Ocean Mist).
Kale Sprouts – Kalettes
As mentioned earlier in the post, freshen them up by running under cool water to rinse and pat dry before using. A bit more versatile than their parents, they can be eaten raw by tossing into a salad mix, steamed, stir-fried, grilled, roasted and sautéed.
How do they taste? Described as a “sweet and nutty flavor,” I’d agree that there is a sweetness about it and when cooking, it smells just like Brussels sprouts or broccoli. Use in place or with other vegetables to add flavor, varying color and texture. When cooked they maintain much of their vibrant color unless you’re grilling or roasting for a long duration.
Best of all…these little guys should be in season year round – but subject to availability depending on suppliers!
Kale Sprouts – Kalettes
I’ve been experimenting and playing with these colorful and tasty sprouts. In a post or two, I’m going to share how we’ve been enjoying these in our meals to hopefully inspire you to give them a try too and surprise your loved ones at dinner or the upcoming holidays with this newer super veggie.
A special thank you to Melissa’s Produce for generously sharing a sampling of these tasty and pretty Kale Sprouts (a product of California), to feature and share with readers on Teenie Cakes.
Kale Sprouts – Kalettes
- Melissa’s Produce
- Brussels crossed with kale to create sweeter tasting ‘kalettes’
- Lollipop Kale Is the Best New Vegetable You’ve Never Heard Of
Kale Sprouts – Kalettes
Lauren @ Wicked Spatula says
LOVE kale sprouts! They’re too darn cute! I haven’t seen them here in Tennessee but I’ve had my eye out for awhile.
Susan | LunaCafe says
Thanks so much for this great information! I haven’t seen these yet but will now be on the lookout for them in the market. The may show up at the farmers market. Sure hope so.
Cynthia/What A Girl Eats says
Great photos! I love the colors! Can’t wait to try them!
Erin @ The Spiffy Cookie says
I am so obsessed with kale sprouts! My boyfriend and I eat an entire bag in one sitting. We already loved kale and brussels sprouts so it’s a dream come true.
Laura @ Family Spice says
I have not seen kale sprouts before. They are so adorable! I’m a big fan of Brussels sprouts, so I better hunt me down some of these beauties, too!
Laura @MotherWouldKnow says
What a coincidence! I’d never seen kale sprouts until earlier this afternoon when I chanced upon them in Trader Joe’s. I was wondering what they were, but didn’t have time to read the package. So glad I read this post. Now next time I see them, I’ll pick some up and try them.
Mirlandra @ Mirlandra's Kitchen says
These are so beautiful! Your photography is making me hungry 🙂 I’m sending this to my mom. She would love to grow some. Now I will be on the lookout at the grocery. Thanks!
Dee Dee (My Midlife Kitchen) says
We actually tried kale sprouts recently. I roasted them with garlic, salt & pepper, and then added a squirt of fresh lemon at the end. Not sure how we liked them, to be honest, but I’m looking forward to trying again to get these beauties into our diet!
Christie says
Oh my gosh! Kale sprouts are the prettiest vegetables ever. I have to find some. Time to check out Melissa’s produce.
fabiola@notjustbaked says
I cannot express enough how sweet and adorable these look! I love both kale and brussels, we eat them a lot. I am certain I would love these!
susan // the wimpy vegetarian says
I’ve got to find these kale sprouts!!! They are completely up my alley. I can’t believe I’ve been missing out. Thanks so much for posting about them!!!
Barrett @dirtylaundrykitchen.com says
These are so beautiful. What color do they look when cooked?
Cristina says
Yes, I love the colors too. So vibrant with those purple/magenta ribs through the greens. They pretty much maintain their vibrance when cooked, except when grilling or roasting (my next post), depending how long you grill/roast them. When you rinse them to eat fresh, they perk up and it brings out their color more.
Katherine says
These are so pretty! I haven’t noticed them sold in my area, I’ll have to keep an eye out.
Cristina says
Hi Katherine: I’ve spotted them at Trader Joe’s…haven’t found them anywhere else yet. They can be purchased online through Melissa’s Produce too. Let me know if you see them any where else…would like to update where they can be found. 🙂
Sippitysup says
Vegetables as fashion! GREG
Cristina says
LOL! Isn’t that something that food can be trendy. In today and out tomorrow!! However, these sprouts are IN! 🙂