Kale has been one of my favorite vegetables for over 10 years because it tastes great and is full of good things for you. Join me as I show you how to cook kale flowers. I also share our sautéed kale florets pasta recipe. It is the perfect healthy and delicious vegetarian dish for those warm summer nights.
A few years ago, my husband and I bought kale plants for our backyard. Soon after, we had a lot of kale flowers. This could happen to anyone, so I came up with a recipe to use up those kale florets.
As a cold-hardy biennial, kale grows vigorously through fall and winter before sending up flower stalks in spring to set seed and complete its life cycle Many gardeners view these yellow blooms as a sign to rip out tired kale plants and make way for new crops But did you know those flowering tops contain a tasty, nutrient-packed bonus harvest? Kale flowers are entirely edible and delicious if harvested at the right stage. Read on to learn all about eating kale blossoms from your garden.
What Exactly Are Kale Flowers?
Kale flowers begin as tight clusters of unopened buds emerging from a central stalk. This stage is known as “kale raab” or “kale florets.” The buds are comprised of hundreds of tiny flower heads that will eventually bloom into small yellow petals. But inside those closed buds is a tender, mild tasting interior.
As the flower buds swell, they transition from bright green to a paler chartreuse color. Left longer on the plant, the buds unfurl into delicate yellow flowers, each about an inch across. These open blooms are also edible but can become slightly tougher in texture. For peak flavor and texture, harvest kale florets when the buds are plump but still tightly closed.
Are Kale Flowers Edible?
Absolutely! Not only are kale flowers completely edible they offer a sweet nutty flavor and tender crunchy bite. The taste is reminiscent of broccoli florets. In fact, broccoli heads are simply clusters of oversized kale flower buds that have been bred for enormity.
Other members of the diverse brassica family also produce edible flower shoots including
- Broccoli raab
- Chinese broccoli (gai lan)
- Collard greens
- Arugula
- Mustard greens
- Cabbage
- Brussels sprouts
So while eating kale flowers may seem unusual, they are closely related to many common vegetables. The key is harvesting the buds before blooming. Mature open kale flowers can become slightly bitter. For the best flavor, grow kale yourself and pick the buds young.
When Do Kale Flowers Appear?
Kale flowers form as temperatures warm in late spring through early summer. The ideal window for harvesting buds is when they first emerge from the main stalk but before any yellow petals appear. This usually coincides with the final harvest window for kale leaves as flavor declines.
The timing varies by climate but generally occurs April through June. Kale started in summer heat may bolt and flower more quickly than overwintered plants. A light frost can help intensify the sweetness too. Monitor your kale patch closely for the first signs of buds.
How to Harvest and Eat Kale Flowers
Plucking kale flowers is easy. Simply pinch or snip off the stems right below the flower buds. The ends are naturally tapered for a clean break. Try to harvest in the morning when buds are most crisp.
Give buds a quick rinse and they’re ready to cook and enjoy! Kale florets can be used:
- Sautéed in olive oil and garlic
- Added to stir fries and pasta dishes
- Roasted along with vegetables
- Mixed into frittatas and omelets
- As a pizza topping
- In salads and slaws for crunch
- On sandwiches instead of sprouts
- As a garnish for soups
The possibilities are endless. Apply your favorite kale leaf recipes to the tender buds instead. Their mild, nutty flavor pairs well with lemon, garlic, onions, nuts, and bold seasoning. Simply sautée in olive oil and add salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, or nutmeg.
Storing Fresh Kale Flowers
For peak nutrition and flavor, try to eat kale flowers soon after picking. If storing for a couple days, keep buds refrigerated in a container lined with a dry paper towel to absorb excess moisture. The closed flower heads are highly perishable.
For longer storage, blanch the buds for 1-2 minutes then freeze in airtight bags. Kale flowers also dehydrate well. Dry at 95°F until brittle then store in jars for months. Rehydrate in soups and stews later.
Growing Kale for Edible Flowers
While most grocery store kale is harvested young for leaves, home gardeners have the luxury of watching kale mature and flower. For the best tasting kale flowers:
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Grow productive, cold-hardy varieties like Winterbor, Red Russian, or Dinosaur kale.
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Plant in late summer or early fall for healthy plants that overwinter.
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Mulch heavily to protect roots from frost.
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Ensure consistent moisture so plants don’t bolt from drought stress.
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Avoid excess nitrogen fertilizer which causes leafy growth over flowers.
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Locate plants in full sun for the best texture and flavor.
With ideal conditions, your kale will reward you with an abundant early spring flower harvest before going to seed.
Common Questions about Eating Kale Flowers
Are kale flowers safe to eat raw?
Yes, kale flowers can be eaten raw straight from the garden. They have a very mild flavor suitable for salads and slaws.
Do kale flowers taste like kale?
Not exactly. Kale florets have a subtler, nuttier taste, like broccoli crossed with bok choy. The texture is very tender and crunchy.
Can you eat mature open kale flowers?
Technically yes, but flavor and texture decline once buds fully bloom. Stick to harvesting tightly closed florets for the best taste.
What part of the kale flower is edible?
The entire flower bud is edible including small tender leaves at the base. Open yellow petals can be slightly fibrous. Consume leaves only when young and tender.
Is it better to eat kale flowers cooked or raw?
Cooking via sautéing, steaming, or stir-frying helps bring out the flavor of kale buds. But the florets are also suitable for eating raw in salads or as a garnish.
What To Do With Kale When It Flowers
There are a few things you can do with your kale florets also known as brassica buds. My favorite thing to do is cook the kale flowers. With some butter and garlic, they cook down really well. For a tasty summer meal, put them on top of pasta with Parmesan cheese.
Another thing you can do with your kale flowers is save the seeds. The seed pods are just below the flowers on the stem. Pull them off and save them for next year. If you’re lucky enough to get seeds in the spring, you can still plant them in the summer to have kale in the fall.
You can eat kale flowers that are raw or cooked. You could also add the flowers to some hot tea!.
Last but not least, you can always pick the flowers and put them in a vase. You know I love having fresh flowers on our farmhouse table whenever I can.
Can You Eat Kale That Has Flowered?
Once kale has flowered, you want to grab the leaves off as soon as possible. Thus, the kale will keep putting its power into its flowers and seeds instead of its leaves. So the leaves will start to become wilty and frail.
If it’s too late, don’t worry! You can also harvest and eat the kale flowers. Kale flowers also known as kale “florets” can be eaten raw or cooked. Try my sautéed kale flowers with butter garlic pasta recipe for a delicious and healthy summer dinner.
