Season: June to November

Description: Kale was was first commercially cultivated in California in the 1980s. But this vegetable and member of the Brassica family has gained recent popularity due to its availability during the winter months, when kale is sweetest. Kale has also gained fans because of its purported health benefits. It can be added to the list of vegetables that help lower your cancer risk and it also optimizes your body's cleansing ability. Kale's compounds signal our genes to increase production of enzymes that are involved in the body's detoxification process. Kale is also an excellent source of vitamin A, which helps counter the effects of smoking and second hand smoke. If you're looking to maximize your nutrient intake, it's best to steam your kale.