Gwyneth Paltrow is known for her holistic approach to life, and as such, fresh and healthy food plays a huge role in her lifestyle. As such, the actor and goop founder often shares cooking videos to her Instagram page – however, she recently showed off not only what she was preparing, but where she sourced the ingredients from. Hint: they originate from her backyard.
In a recent clip, we see the Iron Man and The Talented Mr. Ripley star foraging for vegetables in her home's outdoor garden. While herbs and root vegetables make an appearance (as do vibrant orange flowers), what really caught our attention is a bunch of green, curly kale that looks as fresh as it comes (confirmed by the finished result of the breakfast bowl).
Kale is widely known in the health-focused community as a superfood, rich in vitamins and antioxidants. Much like other green plants, there are tons of varieties to choose from (150 known ones, to be exact), so while we are partial to a curly kale, options are abundant.
'There are many different types of kale you can grow at home, coming in a range of colors, sizes, and leaf shapes,' confirms the gardens content editor at Homes & Gardens, Drew Swainston. 'Paltrow has opted for the classic green, curly kale. It has deep and crinkled green leaves, and plants commonly reach 2-3 feet high – though you can get dwarf varieties ideal for smaller vegetable gardens.'
Want to grow kale like Paltrow's? There are a few key steps to keep in mind when growing and caring for this cruciferous vegetable, and ensuring its longevity.
'Kale thrives in fertile and well-draining soil and can either be grown from seed by sowing in mid-to-late spring, or plants are commonly available to plant in late spring or early summer,' Swainston explains. 'Plants want to be kept well-watered throughout summer, and it is recommended that plants be covered with fine netting to keep them protected from birds and caterpillars that can nibble holes in leaves.'
Though Paltrow does not appear to have netting we would highly recommend it, so all that's needed is a quick rinse when preparing kale.
Finally, be patient when it comes to retrieving the kale from a garden, ensuring the leaves are not too small.
'Harvest individual leaves once they are large enough to use,' Swainston says. 'By taking the largest, oldest leaves from the outside of the plant, the younger ones in the center continue to grow for a long succession of harvests.'
Paltrow's leaves are certainly primed for consumption, sturdy and standing at great heights. Additionally, for those with less space than the actor, kale can easily be grown in pots to optimize small plots.
These seeds are all we need for attractive curly bluish-green kale leaves to enjoy a superfood the Paltrow way.
With simple care instructions and a bountiful outcome, we suggest growing kale for anyone who is looking to incorporate more fresh produce in their backyard gardens. Plus, the results look pefect atop our favorite cookware, as Paltrow so beautifully demonstrates.
