Brassica oleracea (kale) F1 ‘Peacock White’, Brassicaceae
During this time of the year it’s easy to come across ornamental varieties of kale, as they are colourful, tough and will last well through winter frost, but many of them have been bred mostly for their looks, so they are often inferior when it comes to taste and texture.
I haven’t personally tried it (yet!), but the F1 hybrid ‘Peacock White’, selected in the XIX century, is apparently as tasty as it is stunning. It certainly stood out in the vegetable garden of Pollok House, where it looked incredible against dark, cultivated soil, but I think it could be even more interesting incorporated in a border, to add some contrast and extend, with its bright ivory, the spectrum of typical autumn shades.
At the allotment I am currently growing my favourite Italian variety, Lacinato kale, (which we call cavolo nero, ‘black cabbage’) and red russian kale, but next year I am definitely going to try this one as I am now really curious to know if its really as tender and flavourful as I read on websites advertising its seeds. If you haven’t tried it, I’ll let you know, but if you already have then please come forward!
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