It is distinctive for its long dark leaves and is a close cousin of kale, which is currently at a peak of popularity in Britain. Now Lincolnshire farmers who grow cavolo nero want to drop its Italian name and rebrand it as black kale to help its ascent and end what they describe as confusion among shoppers.
It was originally grown in southern Italy, but Lincolnshire farmers have been successfully growing the crop for several years. A few thought it might be a kind of pasta or even a cheese. Cavolo nero originates from the fields of Tuscany where it is believed to have been first grown in BC.
It has a distinctively rich and slightly sweet flavour. The supermarket chain said the vegetable had been an underground favourite for years and has been championed by the likes of Gwyneth Paltrow and food blogger Deliciously Ella. It would not be the first time a foodstuff has undergone a name change in order to broaden its appeal. The humble pilchard was renamed Cornish sardine before being formally recognised under the EU protected food names scheme.
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