Kale chips are trendy, even though they might be regarded as retro. They are snacks similar to potato chips, but they are famous for packing fewer calories and more fiber. Kale vegetables are very fibrous.
A lot of people will tell you that it tastes like dirt and they do not want to have anything to do with it. That is not entirely true, if kale chips are not made in the right manner, they might not taste well.
If you find someone adept at it, or if you surf the internet, you would find recipes to make kale chips that are enticing. With proper seasoning, kale chips can taste great without any hint of dirt or earthy tones.
What do kale chips taste like? Without seasoning, kale chips will have a bitter taste. When you add seasoning, the taste could be quite different, the bitter taste can be a contrast to the flavors you try to incorporate through seasoning. Kale chips have a toasted flavor due to the toasting process, they are also less vegetal than raw kale vegetables.
Kale chips can taste horrible to some people if they have them without any seasoning.
Most kale chips you buy are not sold plain, so you might not feel any of these aforementioned tastes and flavors because they will be masked with whichever flavors have been used in the factory.
Nutritional Benefits of Kale Chips
On your first try, kale chips might have a not-so-pleasant taste. But the beneficial properties that they hold and can offer the body is enough reason to eat them all the time. When the oxygen in our body reacts with the chemicals in our cells, they create molecules that are known as reactive oxygen species.
These reactive oxygen species can cause harm to the body by causing damage on a cellular level. When these reactive oxygen species come in contact with other molecules, they destabilize them and cause a chain reaction that leads to accumulated oxidative damage.
Antioxidants are important compounds in the body; they neutralize reactive oxygen species and help to relieve oxidative stress; which is the main cause of oxidative damage. Kale is a good source of antioxidants, it plays host to compounds like lutein and beta-carotene. These compounds have been associated with a lower risk of cataracts, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and atherosclerosis. Kale chips contain more than 45 different kinds of antioxidant flavonoids that protect the cell in the body from cellular damage.
Another benefit that kale chips hold for the body is that they are a very good source of B vitamins. Kale chips are high in vitamins B6, B2, and B1. A cup of kale can supply 11 percent of the recommended daily intake (RDI) for vitamin B6. In that same measurement, you can get 6 percent of the RDI for vitamin B1 and 7 percent for B2.
B vitamins play important roles in the body; help in the creation of energy by converting nutrients into energy, they can also help to check weight. Vitamin B6 plays a role in mental development and stability; by alleviating symptoms of depression, anxiety, and pain.
Culinary Uses of Kale Chips
The taste of plain kale chips can be quite boring; especially if you do not fancy bitter tastes. Many people that make kale chips add a number of spices and other ingredients just to bring some level of complexity to them.
When making kale chips, you can add pepper, salt, and olive oil. Those are the basic ingredients. You can get creative and experiment to create your unique kale chips. They can be enjoyed as a go-to afternoon because of their lively, crunchy texture.
Kale chips have a crispy texture that is tough and very crunchy. It can get very soggy if you expose them to air. But if you keep it in a cool dry place, it would last for about two weeks. The drier the kale leaf you use for the chips, the longer it will last.
If your chips get soggy, a quick reheat will get them back to their normal texture. Kale chips are delicious alternatives to potato chips. You can try nacho “cheese” kale chips for super bowl season or party snacks. They could be used as a topping for salads, soups, and some other dishes. Kale chips can also be accompanied by various types of dips just like you do with potato chips.
What is the Origin of Kale Chips? How to Procure It?
Kale chips are also known as vegetable chips or veggie chips. It is usually prepared with sliced vegetables which are usually baked, deep-fried, dehydrated, or just dried. Vegetable chips are not limited to just kale chips. Potato chips are also regarded as vegetable chips but they are often set aside and not categorized as such.
In the United States, vegetable chips are usually made on a large commercial scale by many marketing brands. You can make kale chips by yourself at home or buy it from grocery stores.
What Do Kale Chips Taste Best With?
If you want your kale chips to taste better, all you need to do is massage them with olive oil and/lemon for a few minutes. This makes the kale much easier to eat as the texture is much more tender and soft. The lemon and/ olive oil also gives your kale chips a boost in flavor.
Facts You Don’t Know About Kale Chips
- If you don’t want your kale chips to taste bitter, reduce the amount of olive oil used when you are drying it. Drowning the leaves in oil doesn’t get the bitter taste out, drizzling a little bit of oil and massaging the kale leaves works better.
- If kale leaves are not properly dried. The water in the leaves will turn into steam and cook the leaves instead.