Exploits of a Vegan Wannabe

So here is my constant conundrum:  I love boutique produce, I see it in various places, wonder about its virtues and flavor and there it sits, priced higher than its nearby counterparts and this inner dialogue begins.  How much is that?  Why does it think I’ll pay that much for it?  How dare they charge so much for beautiful, seductive produce!  Then, my cool, sometimes underutilized, rational brain gets a hold of my frugal, old tapes and says, you would pay $5 for a soy latte, but ask $5 for vibrant, organic produce to compliment 4 meals and you balk at that?  What’s that all about?

This was my 3 second dialogue as I encountered organic baby kale(s) for the first time last week.   There it was on the produce shelf in all its glory, in a recycled plastic container looking crisper than ever.  The rational brain won the battle and I bought it.  Is my body ever glad.  It is outrageous. Soft yet firm, slightly sweet and nutty with just the right amount of kale-like punch to remind you that it is a green.  

Earthbound Farms recently introduced this new addition to their lineup, they call it Mixed Baby Kales.  I bought it on sale, 2/$6, but I believe the regular price is $3.99 in our store, a little less than my beloved soy latte.   It was in a nearby specialty grocery store, but likely can also be found in some health food stores and expansive grocers soon too.  I spotted it in the pre-packaged salad area in the produce section.

So far, we have enjoyed them in a salad with a luscious vinaigrette, tucked them inside a sandwich for fresh crunch and flavor, then mixed into a beans and quinoa dish for that slightly wilted kale thing that happens when stirred into something hot.

The greatest part of this purchase is that I am still not 100% in to kale. I want to be. I named a trail after it. It is an aggressive and pungent green, sometimes tough to chew and we have been cautious friends at best.   Baby kale could change that.  It is everything lovable about kale sans the less lovable parts. I think I may love it. Hi Everyone, my name is Sherry and I may really love kale. If all it took was a box of boutique produce then I am all in.

If while you are walking through the produce section grabbing the same bag of baby carrots and you spy something sexy, unlike anything you have ever put in your cart….go for it. See a young coconut and wonder what it tastes like? Buy it. How about  white asparagus or a Buddha’s Hand. If you find it exciting and it was grown, allow yourself the opportunity to try it. You may just find something new to truly love. You and your health are worth it.

Have a delicious day.

Tags: baby kale, Baby Mixed Kales, compassionate eating, cooking with kale, dairy free, Earthbound Farms, going veg, kale, Meatless Monday, plant based diet, plant strong, trying vegan, vegan challenge, vegan experience, vegan wannabe