terview
Kristen Beddard
Can you introduce the Kale?
Magalie
Kale is a type of cabbage but grows without a head and only the leaves. It is one of the most versatile vegetables and can be used in salads, juices, smoothies, soups, pastas, with grains and many more ways! There are three general types of kale and then within those groups different seed varieties. Curly green, Tuscan and Red Russian. The taste is generally the same as are the uses and health benefits. Kale is one of the densest vegetables which means it has a lot of fiber. In one cup (33 calories) of kale there is more iron than beef, more calcium than a glass of milk! It is chock full of vitamin C, K, A and antioxidants too.
Does kale consumption require specific equipment? How can we prepare & eat kale?
To easily enjoy kale, all you need is some olive oil and lemon juice and your hands for the kale massage! Of course depending on what you want to do, you may need normal kitchen equipment or a blender or juicer.
What is the Kale Project's story?
The beginning was simple. The French did not know about kale and as it is just a cabbage and very easy to grow, there was not reason that kale should not be available here! So I launched the Project before I even had my first farmer on-board but that was a strategic decision. I knew that I could not create supply by growing kale with a farmer without creating awareness and demand at the same time - so I used social media and blogger influence to create a movement and "kale-lover community" in France - of course at first targeting expats. Through these platforms, I made "kale in France" an issue. It was no longer just something that expat mom #1 mentioned to
11
Photo The Kale Project