cavolo nero?

After reading a short article in the current issue of The Mediterranean Garden, the Journal of the Mediterranean Garden Society, I was inspired to research the topic of said article - cavolo nero, a Tuscan kale that sounds delicious! Now I am trying to find a source for seeds or plants for my garden here in California. I'm wondering is anyone out there is growing this interesting heirloom vegetable, especially those in my own state? Can anyone point me in the direction of a source? What are your experiences?

I have now concluded that I have seen this plant in the distant past, growing in various gardens of Italian immigrants - wish I had known then what I know now! ;-) (don't we all, eh?)

Here is a quote from an internet cooking site about this vegetable:
"Cavolo nero is a Tuscan specialty that translates as black cabbage. Rather than call it what it is, which is Tuscan kale, seed companies are labeling it Lacinato and Dinosaur Kale. It's a green with a tangy bite that leaves an almost sweet aftertaste. My new book, The Italian Country Table, has a simple Tuscan recipe where you braise it with onion and garlic, adding small amounts of water to the pan until the greens are meltingly tender. Try it - it's great in soups, especially with beans, and wonderful with pork or on its own."

Thanks in advance,
Seán O.

h o r t u l u s   a p t u s     -    'a garden suited to its purpose'
Seán A. O'Hara   sean@support.net   www.hortulusaptus.com
1034A Virginia Street, Berkeley, California 94710-1853, U.S.A.

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