It wasn’t until I left the United States and did not have kale in my life that I became acutely aware of kale everywhere else. It was like my eyes had kale radar and anytime I went near a market, garden, farm or anything remotely green, I would immediately look for kale leaves. Long, gorgeous, green curly kale leaves.
I was pleasantly surprised when I spotted kale on a recent trip to Berlin. While I normally enjoy checking out grocery stores in different countries as a unique way to absorb a different culture, I did not have the time on this short weekend (it was actually to talk to some very smart people about The Kale Project!) and this German kale caught my eye in a community garden.
Berlin struck me as an innovative, artistic and budding city full of spirit and this garden, Prizessinnengarten (which stands for Princess Gardens) is no exception. What was once wasteland amidst the Berlin Wall in the Moritzplatz section, was transformed in 2009 by neighbors, friends and family. It has evolved into a green space full of organic vegetable plots and a small cafe which further encourages positive interaction with citizens. It wasn’t until I discovered the kale and garden that I did more research. I feel even more lucky to have stumbled upon this German kale grown with so much love!
Ironically, through The Kale Project, I was recently connected via blogging to a recent Berlin transplant via New York, Storks and Wolves, who was also having a hard time finding kale. She had just joined a community garden and was very excited to begin growing her own kale with new found gardening friends.
I’ve heard from a few native German people that kale does exist and goes by the name Grünkohl and that it’s something kids are forced to eat as punishment!
Have you ever lived in Germany and if so, what are your kale stories? Easy to find? Hard to find? How is it served or is it mainly cooked at home?
If you have a second, check out the Prinzessinnengarten blog and site – it’s quite inspiring!
Daisy de Plume says
Way to set someone off from a delicious and healthy food by making it a punishment from a young age. I wish there were a Popeye song for Kale to balance this harsh German approach — but hey, at least they have Kale. Better than the French (until Mr Vincennes and Mme Moutarde get their plot growing, at least).
Do you suppose there’s Grünkphl in Holland?
kristen says
So..Holland does have kale. Not sure of the actual name but do know that it does exist. I’m sure it’s not as common like it would be in certain areas in America, but you can find it…
And yes, I would love a Popeye for kale… hmmm… now that I’m thinking about it…
Abel says
Hi, I’ve just stumbled across your site. Kale is common in northern Germany. But it’s considered a seasonal vegetable. It’s typically eaten during winter and should be available in most supermarkets in the region from November to February.
kristen says
Hi Abel – Yes I know that it’s mostly only grown/sold in germany at that time. Thanks for the info! I’d love to know more about the kale-festivals I’ve read about! Would seem like a fun thing to attend!
Kevin Pfeiffer says
It’s not “Grünkphl” (try pronouncing “kphl”) but “Grünkohl” (green cabbage). Traditionally it was supposed to be harvested after the first frost. It’s well known and considered a seasonal delicacy in northern Germany. “Delicacy” is perhaps a stretch, though, if you look at the traditional dishes, for example, “Kohl und Pinkel” (kale with a smoked blood sausage) — a very tasty (honestly) fall/winter meal, but very rich.
kristen says
Hi Kevin – Yes I know. That was a typo that I missed. Thank you for pointing it out. I can’t pronounce very much at all in German… so kphl would be even more difficult. I know in Germany and the Netherlands they mostly only eat it after the first frost – it’s great to see there are traditional dishes in those countries. Thanks for pointing out the spelling error. Kristen