16 delicious recipes for 4 kinds of kale

Since the kale craze struck a few years back, grocery stores and farmers markets have kept their displays well stocked with varieties of the leafy green. Even if you already consider yourself a kale fan, there's always more to learn (and love!) about this veggie family.

From curly kale to dinosaur kale, each type has its own special qualities. And experimenting with foods and flavors is half the fun of eating more healthfully, says registered dietitian Jaclyn London, MS, CDN, head of nutrition and wellness at WW. “Trying a variety of veggies—including different types of kale—in raw and cooked form can help you discover new recipes you love and help add more produce to your plate,” she says. No matter which type of kale you choose, you’ll get fiber, phytonutrients, and minerals that support good health. Get started with this guide to four popular kale varieties, and dig into some delicious recipe inspo for each.

This type, also called Russian red kale, is a little less common than the other three. If you find yourself in a grocery store that stocks it, you won’t be able to miss it. Its large, ruffled leaves look similar to those of curly kale and grow in a range of shades, from red to purply green. (Somewhat confusingly, it’s all called red kale.) As for the taste, it has the same peppery flavor as many other kale types, with some sweeter notes. Try swapping it for curly kale in recipes, or use it in place of arugula in salads.

The bottom line: All kale varieties are ZeroPoint™ foods across myWW™ plans, so you can feel confident about experimenting with new flavors and recipes. “Everyone’s preferences are different, so the best-tasting type of kale is completely up to you,” London says.