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Boerenkool hand veld 1

Duurzame Doeners #13 Kale

Winter strength from our own soil

You probably already know that kale tastes best after it has been touched by frost. But why is that, exactly? Here’s how it works: when it freezes, the kale plant protects itself. To prevent the water inside its cells from freezing and damaging the cell walls, the plant converts part of its starch into natural sugars like glucose and fructose. As a result, the leaves contain more sugar, giving them a softer, milder, and slightly sweet flavor. But that’s not the only fun fact about this winter powerhouse.

Kale is truly at home in the Netherlands. It’s one of those vegetables that thrives in wind and weather: strong, resilient, and content with very little to grow. No heated greenhouses, no exotic climate, just fresh air, rain, and a touch of frost. This makes kale one of the most climate-friendly vegetables grown on Dutch soil. At Hutten, we believe that truly sustainable eating starts with following the seasons. By eating what the land offers us in autumn and winter, we reduce our CO₂ emissions and save energy. Less transport, less refrigeration, more flavor.

Boerenkool blad 1 min

“Kale is one of the most climate-friendly vegetables grown on Dutch soil.”

Circularity from soil to plate
From the dark green leaves to the sturdy stem—every part of the kale plant can be used. In our kitchens, nothing goes to waste. What doesn’t end up in a traditional stamppot finds its way into a soup, salad, or smoothie. Farmers, too, think circularly: leaves that aren’t suitable for fresh sales are turned into animal feed or compost. And by practicing crop rotation, the soil gets the rest and nutrients it needs. Kale is therefore a true example of circularity—nothing is lost, everything has value.

Green happiness for soil and biodiversity
Kale doesn’t just grow for us—it also grows for nature. Because the crop stays in the field for a long time, it provides shelter for insects and small animals during winter. Farmers who plant flower-rich field edges see bees and butterflies return. Kale also helps maintain healthy soil: its deep roots hold the ground together and improve water retention. More and more farmers are growing with fewer pesticides and greater care for soil life. In this way, kale contributes to agriculture that not only feeds, but also restores.

A hearty stamppot, a fresh salad with roasted nuts, or crispy kale chips—what’s your favorite kale recipe?

In the series Sustainable Doers, Hutten visits and talks with our suppliers about our shared sustainability journey. You can read the other stories on our news page.