Variety
Redbor
The most ornamental kale — intensely coloured, deeply curled, and spectacular on the plate
Redbor is a deeply curled kale with intensely coloured red-purple leaves that make it one of the most ornamental vegetables in the winter kitchen garden. F1 hybrid, it produces vigorous, consistent plants with reliably vivid colouring. The colour intensifies dramatically with cold weather and frost. The flavour is richer and earthier than Red Russian and more robust than Nero di Toscana — a bold winter kale.
Flavour
Rich, earthy, and somewhat robust with a definite kale bite that mellows with cooking. More pronounced than Red Russian but without the mineral quality of cavolo nero. The deep purple colour leaches into cooking liquid and sauces, adding a dramatic visual note. After frost the flavour sweetens and the purple intensifies to almost red.
In the kitchen
Spectacular on a winter charcuterie or cheese board — the vivid colour is unlike anything else in winter. Crispy kale chips made from Redbor have a stunning visual impact. Excellent wilted with garlic and white wine alongside grilled pork or as a component of a warm grain salad. The colour makes any dish it appears in visually dramatic.
Growing
F1 hybrid. Very vigorous — allow 60cm between plants. The colour is most vivid in cool conditions; summer-grown plants are more green. Plant in firm, fertile soil and stake in exposed positions (plants can reach 90cm+). One of the most dramatic visual plants in a winter kitchen garden. Harvest outer leaves progressively from the bottom.