"It has real personality and charm and the overall results are delicious."

"The book has integrity, heart and pure deliciousness."

~The Jury, Taste Canada - The Food Writing Awards 2013

The Book of Kale is sure to bring much needed attention to one of the most nutrient-packed vegetable crops in the world. I've researched the nutritional quality of kale for over 12 years and it truly is a superfood. It is high in available nutrients, an excellent source of cancer-fighting glucosinolate compounds, and one of the best sources for carotenoid pigments that contribute to eye health. As a cool-season vegetable, kale grows best in early spring and fall months; however, it is easy to grow year-round in most climates. It is grown as a "baby green" (30 days old), or most often grown to full maturity. Historically, thousand-head kale is the progenitor in which all of the other Brassica oleracea crops (cabbage, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower) descended. You will not find a vegetable crop with more nutritional value and historical significance than kale. It is just unfortunate that kale has been relegated to the role of a garnish at the salad bar, or on the plate. Sharon Hanna has provided many ways to enjoy this nutrient-dense vegetable, and hopefully this book will help bring this special crop to the prominence it deserves.

~ Dr. Dean A. Kopsell, Associate Professor of Vegetable Crop Physiology, The University of Tennessee