While everyone has been singing the nutritional praises of kale, I’ve been muttering culinary curses about the meticulous preparation involved in this veggie. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve always enjoyed freshly sautéd farmer’s market kale (especially when kicked up with some freshly grated ginger and coconut aminos). However, the process of removing the fibrous stems felt rather tedious and time-consuming.
In the past few weeks, I have been enjoying much more kale due to an unassuming tool that I bought on a whim. It’s basically a kale guillotine. And it is strangely entertaining to use.
Here is the magic tool… The Chef’n Kale/Chard/Collard/Herb De-Stemmer.
I got mine at Sur La Table (the sales clerk told me they fly off the shelves like hotcakes) or you can find it here on Amazon.
De-stem a bunch of kale in 30 seconds
I knew you wouldn’t believe how well this snazzy gadget works unless you see it in action, so here is a quick video of the magic:
THIS IDEA IS BRILLIANT AND I NEED IT.
Caps are necessary;)
Ohh !!! Wow!!! What a great idea!
This would be great for salads when you just want the leaves. In cooked dishes I usually chop up the stalk and use that too. Wondering if this is common. Do you usually use the stalk or dispose of it, Lauren?
I strip & massage with my hands for salads. For sautées I chop with the stem. It also depends on the variety of kale I’m preparing.
Do you find this quicker than stripping with your hands? I essential strip the kale stems the same way using my hands.
Why not chop the stems with the leaves and eat them. I always do it. We could all use more fiber in our diets.
I prefer to put the stems in my smoothie’s.
I love it!!!
Well looks great but as it’s plastic I won’t be buying one – I have this thing about buying plastic, has to pass the “will it be landfill” test – but I will make one from an offcut of thin hardwood timber with some holes in it! Genius! Thank you!
Great idea! I’m going to try this out with my knitting needle gauge tool.
Brilliant Ursula! I was trying to think of what I had that looked like that. I’m thinking this could also be used to get leaves off of herb stalks too.
Why don’t you eat the stems? I thought we were supposed to be eating as much fiber as possible?
Ehhhh, not to be a troll, but I could totally stack at least 3 and run a knife down probably at least one side before she got her kale done. Not seeing the value added, but it is a good concept.