Here’s What 1 Pound of Kale Looks Like

I find kale to be deceptive when it comes to weights and amounts. Like most greens, you’d expect a pound of it to translate to several stalks and numerous cups, but it turns out kale is more conservative than that. Here’s what one pound of curly kale looks like.

One pound of kale, leaves and stems included, is about five large stalks, about eight inches long.

This same general rule applies for lacinato kale, as long as the stalks are around seven to eight inches long. Any smaller and you’d need more like six to eight stalks for a pound. Keep in mind this amount is specific to kale on the stalk. Once you get into removing the stems, the weight and cup amounts change pretty significantly.

Our eyes are one of our greatest, most useful tools in the kitchen. They can help us size up everything from the weight of vegetables to the doneness of meat. Educate Your Eye is a series on The Kitchn that teaches you what you need to know to use your eyes for smarter cooking both inside and outside the kitchen.