Kale substitute in recipes?

[Julie Jacobsen]

I have some favorite juice recipes that call for Kale. My local supply of kale is becoming hit or miss. I haven't explored other types of dark greens yet. Are there other greens that would make a good substitute in my recipes and not mess with the flavor too much? Look forward to learning a lot in this room!

[Rebecca Rodriguez]

Hi Julie:  Yes, you can use any green leaves like Chard, Collard, Spinach, Romain, baby lettuce greens.  Keep us posted.  Blessings,  Rebecca

[Lynda LaFon]

Hi Julie,

Spinach seems to be the favorite substitute as it is very mild in flavor and similar nutritive value to kale. I like chard a lot myself and since spinach and chard are very productive hydroponic plants, one or both are usually available year round. I have also used collard greens, initially because they are inexpensive where I live and they too are high in nutrients. I found they were also very mild in flavor and they make a lot of juice!

I saw on a website where someone used parsley as their green leafy vegetable. I use it, but in small amounts. I think it would be too strong for my taste as the main green.

I have recently become interested in wild edibles and have used dandelion and lamb's quarters as the main green for juicing.

I suggest you try a few options and see what you like. There's a great site for nutritional info  at

http://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/vegetables-and-vegetable-products

Good Luck!

[Julie Jacobsen]

Thank you for the suggestions. I'm going to experiment a little here and let you know what develops.

[Rebecca Rodriguez]

Hi Lynda LaFon - Just wanted to let you know that the link you provided doesn't work. 

[Melissa Wagner]

I have heard that it is actually good to rotate your greens too. : )