Dazzling Blue Kale, Organic

Dazzling Blue is a "modern heirloom" with a pedigree built for organic integrity:

• The Breeder: Developed by Hank Keogh of Avoca Farm in Oregon.
• The Mission: Keogh wanted to create a Lacinato-style kale that could withstand the erratic, freezing winters of the Pacific Northwest better than the traditional Italian "Nero di Toscana."
• The Parentage: By crossing the classic Lacinato with extremely cold-hardy purple kales, he stabilized this open-pollinated variety that has quickly become a favorite of the Wild Garden Seed collection and organic growers worldwide.

• Striking Aesthetics: Features the deep, blue-green "alligator" skin of Lacinato, but with a vivid purple-to-pink midrib that glows in the garden.
• Superior Cold Hardiness: While traditional Lacinato can be "wimpy" in a hard freeze, Dazzling Blue is a survivor, maintaining its quality and color even when temperatures plummet.
• Vigorous Growth: A fast-growing variety that reaches harvestable size quickly and continues to produce high yields throughout the season.
• Nutritional Powerhouse: Packed with the same anthocyanins that give it its purple hue, making it even more antioxidant-rich than standard green kales.

Dazzling Blue offers the "best of both worlds"—the meaty texture of a Dino kale with the complex sweetness of a Russian kale.

This kale is a favorite among chefs because the purple veins remain visible even after light cooking:

1. Dazzling Kale Chips: The sturdy, bumpy leaves create the perfect "crunch." The purple midrib makes for a stunning presentation on a snack platter.
2. Winter Power Salads: Because it is more tender than curly kale, it is excellent for raw salads. Simply remove the stem, chop, and massage with a little lemon and olive oil.
3. Vibrant Sauté: Sauté with garlic and red pepper flakes; the blue and purple colors make for a sophisticated side dish.
4. Smoothie Boost: Its mild flavor hides easily in fruit smoothies, providing a massive nutrient hit without a "grassy" aftertaste.

• Days to Maturity: 30 days (Baby), 60 days (Full size).
• Sun Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Shade.
• Height: 24–34 inches.
• Hardiness: Extremely frost-tolerant; one of the best Lacinato types for over-wintering.