Kale-gating: Taste of crunchy, healthy - Kale chips

You can't just eat one. That's what they say about potato chips. But there's a healthier alternative, which some say are just as addictive and delicious - kale chips.

Never tried them? Here's your chance.

Taylor Farms will be sponsoring the first-ever kale-gating event at Yuma Lettuce Days March 9-10. Yuma chef Alex Trujillo will provide the recipe while Taylor Farms will provide the kale.

The kale chips will be served off the tailgate of a truck, hence the “kale-gating” tag. The booth will be right next to the beer and wine garden - some might say it's the perfect combination.

“We're really excited to be a part of this event,” said Lauren Hattersley, sales and marketing representatives for Taylor Farms.

Kale, a form of cabbage, is a hot trend right now.

“It's exploding,” Hattersley pointed out.

And for a good reason. Just like spinach, it's a versatile vegetable. Kale leaves can be savored in a variety of ways.

“They can be served raw, cooked, fried, added to pasta or soup. The leaves can be kept full or chopped,” Hattersley said.

That's not even mentioning the benefits of this “superfood.”

“It has so many benefits. It's really good for us,” Hattersley noted.

Kale is an excellent source of vitamins A, C and K and calcium. It's high in fiber and really low in calories. It also has “great anti-inflammatory properties,” she explained.

And not only is it good for us, it's plain good, she said.

Especially when prepared as kale chips. She recently made her first batch, choosing the even healthier oven-baked version (many recipes are available online).

“They're really good, really crunchy. And the leaves keep their curl. They are delicious,” she raved.

Taylor Farms invites Yumans to go by the “kale-gating” booth and try the kale chips.

“Hopefully they'll love them,” Hattersley said.

Mara Knaub can be reached at mknaub@yumasun.com or (928) 539-6856. Find her on Facebook at Facebook.com/YSMaraKnaub or on Twitter at @YSMaraKnaub.