At a Glance
Kale , a leafy greenness know for its nutritionary artistry , has become a staple in many garden . However , harvesting kale can be a daunting task , especially for those concerned about damaging the plant . This comprehensive usher willprovide step - by - footfall instructionson how to glean kale without stamp out the plant , guarantee abountiful harvestthroughout the growing season .
Identifying the Right Time to Harvest
The optimal time toharvest kale dependson several factors , include the mixture and your desired size . Generally , colewort is ready to glean when the leaves are fully developed and have a abstruse unripened color . Forbaby cole , harvest when the leaves are about 4 - 6 inches long . For mature lolly , wait until theleaves reach8 - 10 column inch in length .
Choosing the Right Tools
Harvesting kale ask a few essential tool :
Harvesting Techniques
Outer Leaf Method
Thismethod involves removingtheouter leaveswhile leave the innerleaves entire . To do this:1 . Locate theoutermost leavesthat are fully developed.2 . Use asharp knifeor scissors to prune the leave at the base , where they attach to the stem.3 . Avoid cutting into the stem , as this can damage the plant .
Cut-and-Come-Again Method
This method acting allow forrepeated harvestsfrom the same plant throughout thegrowing season . To do this:1 . Cut theentire plantdown to about 2 - 3 in above the ground.2 . novel leaves will stock from theremaining stem turn , providing additional harvests .
Selective Harvesting
Thismethod involve harvestingonly a few leaves at a time , leaving the rest of the works tocontinue arise . To do this:1 . Locate the largest and most ripe leaves.2 . Use scissors or a tongue to contract the folio at the base , where they attach to the stem.3 . Avoid removing too many leaves from one field , as this can counteract the plant .
Post-Harvest Care
Afterharvesting kale , it ’s essential to palm it properly to keep its freshness and nutritional value :
Tips for Healthy Kale Plants
Troubleshooting
Answers to Your Questions
Q1 : How often can I glean kale?A1 : You canharvest kaleevery few weeks , count on thegrowth rateof your works . Q2 : Can Iharvest kalein winter?A2 : Yes , some varieties of kale are cold - tolerant and can be harvested throughout wintertime in mild climates . Q3 : What is the best way to preserve kale?A3 : Kale can be stored in the icebox for a few years , frozen for up to 6 months , or blanched and canned for long - condition storage . Q4 : Can I eat kale raw?A4 : Yes , moolah can be eat up raw or cooked . Raw Brassica oleracea acephala has aslightly acrid taste , whilecooked kaleis sweeter and more tender . Q5 : How do I know if my kale is organic?A5 : Look fororganic credentials labelson the packaging orpurchase kalefrom a trust constituent grower .
