The New Green Leaves and Vegetables, and How to Use Them

Burning out on kale? Try out these new greens in town.

If you want to get more healthy greens in your diet but are burning out on kale, you’re in luck: There are new greens in town. In general, green vegetables tend to be high in vitamins A, C and K, plus those in the cabbage family have phytochemicals that have been linked to lower risk of certain cancers.

Romanesco: If you’ve discovered what looks like a miniature Christmas tree on acid in your CSA share, it’s Romanesco — a cauliflower varietal that’s best raw, steamed or sauteed.

Kalettes: A brand-new hybrid of kale and Brussels sprouts, kalettes are like little kale bouquets. They’re perfect sauteed or roasted, or used as a salad green.

Broccoli leaves: While broccoli leaves aren’t exactly a new vegetable — they’ve always been attached to freshly harvested heads of broccoli — you’ll soon be able to find them in supermarkets. These are wonderful tossed in olive oil and roasted; they become crispy, like kale chips.

Beira kale: This Portuguese heirloom kale variety has broad, flat leaves, similar to collard greens. The sweet and tender leaves are excellent used in place of cabbage in cabbage rolls.

Broccoflower: This pale-green cauliflower has a slightly milder taste and is excellent cut into thick “steaks” and grilled, as you would cauliflower.

Broccolini: This sturdy green looks like broccoli rabe but has a milder broccoli flavor. Blanch the stalks until just tender and top with a balsamic vinaigrette, steam it or add to a stir-fry.

Chaya: You probably won’t find this Mexican plant, also called tree spinach, in stores, but you can grow it in your garden or kitchen if you’re so inclined. The nutritious leaves need to be cooked — they’re toxic raw — but can be boiled and used like spinach.

Kerri-Ann is a registered dietitian who writes on food and health trends. Find more of her work at kerriannjennings.com or follow her on Twitter @kerriannrd or Facebook.

Next Up

The New Rules on Sleep

Spoiler: You may not need eight hours a night.

How to Cook Tapioca Pearls and Use Them to Make Boba Tea

Everything you need to know about tea bubbles, including their history, how to make them and how to use them.

We Tried the New SodaStream Terra — and Loved It

It makes homemade sparkling water easier than ever!

Green Beyond Leaves: Salad with Quinoa, Fava Beans and Peas

Packed with fava beans, fresh herbs and peas, this salad will bring spring to the table in an instant.

The New Girl Scout Cookie Is Just Like Brownie Brittle

Caramel-topped Adventurefuls promise to take fans on a flavor journey in the 2022 season.

Simply Giada Brings Light, Flavorful Recipes to the New Year

Giada De Laurentiis’ new series, Simply Giada, will showcase her take on mindful eating, fresh cooking and smarter meal prep.

Buy Tickets for the New York City Wine & Food Festival

Events will run from Thursday, Oct. 14 through Sunday, Oct. 17.

We're Calling It: Chicks Are the New Bunny Butts This Easter

And we have seven too-cute recipes to prove it.