There is certainly no demistification necessary when it comes to my adoration of kale.  It simply is delicious in any and every way.
I have to admit, I have backed off my consumption these days, in favor of more seasonal produce.  But, now that fall is here and the cool weather has arrived, I plan to boost my intake of the leafy green yet again.

I will always appreciate the commentary and lovingly teases of friends and family in regard to my kale consumption.  And, I know that the remarks I receive are particularly heartfelt when some of those friends send articles just like this my way.

A smile and a few chuckles later, I am simply delighted to read about the worldwide fascination and spread of this “curly headless cabbage.”

Trendy Green Mystifies France. It’s a Job for the Kale Crusader! – NYTimes.com.

Kristen Beddard, an American Kale Crusader, has found herself in France, spreading the good “kale” word.
She has created The Kale Project – an entrepreneurial plan grown from the fact that she “just couldn’t get past the fact that the French did not grow a cabbage as ancient as kale.”  Brilliant!  If I ever find myself jobless in France, I now have an occupational inspiration.

Regardless of how much Kristen’s story thrills me, my very favorite parts of this tale include:

• The French cannot even agree on what to call it [kale]. There are at least five terms for kale, and the technical name, chou frisé non-pommé, translates unappetizingly as “curly headless cabbage.”
• Kristen wanted to create a “kale community.” “My mission is to make kale as common as lettuce.”
• There actually does exist a woman in France with the delightful name I’ve only ever associated with Harry Potter: “The first farmer to embrace her project was Hermione Boehrer, who has started growing organic baby kale and selling it for 25 euros a kilogram (about $15 a pound) every Sunday at the outdoor organic food market.”  Oh, and it sure is great that Hermione sells out every week!

I feel blessed and lucky that I have been introduced to kale, developed a palate and a love, and that I can learn, laugh, and perhaps, at times, languish in my enthusiasm for the leafy green.