Are These Exotic Veggies Poised to Break Out in 2015?
Photography by Solaria
If your plans for 2015 include vegging out – as in eating more vegetables – you don’t have to stick with the same old same old. You may as well branch out, like Kalettes spreading their green and purple leaves, into the (relatively) new and different:
Kaletttes? These new hybrid veggies, a cross between a Brussels sprout and kale that’s known to be milder and less earthy than its progenitors, were developed by Britain's Tozer Seeds and introduced in the United States in 2014. Resembling tiny purple cabbages and featuring a slightly nutty flavor, Kalettes are one of several exotic vegetables that NPR’s The Salt blog predicts are poised for a breakout moment in the coming year, as we cooks and eaters loosen our grips on the comfort foods we clung to during the recession and reach for more adventurous options.
Also on NPR’s list: broccoflower, a broccoli/cauliflower hybrid that can be substituted in just about any recipe that calls for either of its parent vegetables; colorful rainbow carrots (try them roasted or with walnut oil and toasted cumin seeds) and Broccolini.
Broccolini, aka “baby broccoli,” is the result of a marriage between broccoli and Chinese kale. It is known for its bright green color, pleasing crunch, long and slim stalks, diminutive florets, and subtle, vaguely peppery flavor and has actually been around since the ’90s.
