Robbie Sigona’s Produce Tips: Healthy Kale

How to pick kale

• Choose greens that are refrigerated or are kept fresh in open displays. Once picked, the natural gasses come out and the vitamins and nutrients begin to break down, so keeping them cool and crisp is essential.
• When selecting greens, look for bunches with dark green leaves. Older ones will have yellow leaves.
• Select firm, healthy looking bunches. Older greens may be limp.
• The stem end should have a fresh cut and not be dry.
• Fresh greens will hold up to a week or so if properly stored. To store, wash and place bunch in sealed plastic bag after purchase.
• Best to use soon after purchase. Bitterness develops with age.

Robbie Sigona is produce buyer for both the Redwood City and Palo Alto Sigona’s Farmers Market locations. He works with local farmers and scours the market for the very best in fresh fruits and vegetables — some you won’t find anywhere else.