Thursday March 21st, 2013 (Escondidio, California) —

Not to go all Joseph Campbell on you, but in order to heal ourselves I think we need to change some pieces of our national mythology.

For instance, real men grow kale.* And the truly heroic eat kale too.

Blitz-era folks in the UK grew it in “victory gardens” because its nutrient density was a gift during times of heavy rationing.  Thomas Jefferson grew it at Montecello.  Kale is a low calorie, high fiber, protein-rich, zero fat gift from Mother Earth and its image needs an upgrade.

Enter my good friend, Marine combat vet and kale-growing farmer Colin Archipley. Here is a guy who isn’t afraid to come out in defense of this underrated cabbage. In fact, he proudly wears the nickname “Kale Hero” and has even willing to share some of his favorite recipes (to fuel his engines and keep the kale growing, create by his boss and wife, Mrs. Archi) based on his love of the plant (see below).

Kale is part of his livelihood as an organic, hydroponic greenhouse farmer and, more importantly, it is part of his vision for a new America. He has a vision of his fellow veterans growing kale in smart, eco-friendly and community-constructive ways from sea to shining sea.

And he isn’t waiting for anyone to tell him it will work. He believes it in his heart. Think of Colin as working Manifest Destiny in reverse, going across America from west to east with the goal of helping heal and strengthen the nation instead of submitting to it.

A “Kale Hero,” indeed.

“ArchisAcres Kale Hero Salad”

2 bunches of “Dino” or “Laciento” Kale

2 bunches of “Red Chard”

1/2 cup almonds or sunflower seeds (toasted and chopped)

Gorgonzola cheese (crumbled)

2 Fuji Apples (cubed)

1 Papaya (softens the kale nicely and its yummy)

“Kale Hero Dressing”

1/2 full bulb of garlic (chopped)

A chunk of ginger root (peeled and chopped)

Balsamic Vinger

Olive Oil

Salt and Pepper

 

Kale Hero Smoothie” Dr. Spees’** Kale Hero Smoothie”

10 Leaves of Dino Kale

Juice of 2 Limes

1 Papaya (inner flesh of fruit)

2 cups Apple Juice

1 piece of raw Ginger diced (size of 2 thumbs)

1 Banana

Sometimes I add 1 Scoop of “Rainbow Vibrance” antioxidant powder.

*Real women do too. I freely acknowledge this piece of our mythology needs updated as well!

** Dr. Spees is a neuroscientist and assistant professor of medicine at The University of Vermont and staff biologist at ArchisAcres.