RE: cavolo nero?

Hi Sean,

Botanical Interests carries the Tuscan Kale and Renee's Garden carries
Lacinato aka Dinosaur kale.  Both seeds can be found at local nurseries.  We
grew it in a greens trial last year and it was marvelous both steam/sauteed
and in soups.  Another favorite of mine was Cima di Rapa Spigarello which
has narrow frilly leaves.  Wonderful as a sauteed green.  The folks at
www.growitalian.com/products.com have lots of great Italian greens to try.
Very easy from seed.

Cheers,
Bracey
San Jose 

-----Original Message-----
From: Sean A. O'Hara [s*@support.net] 
Sent: Friday, October 29, 2004 5:00 PM
To: medit-plants@ucdavis.edu
Subject: 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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