What question did this study set out to answer?

To evaluate the nutrient content of Venda kale at different maturation stages as a solution for micronutrient deficiencies.

February 12, 2026Open Access

The Prospect of a Leafy Kale Species to Address Micronutrient Deficiencies

Key Points

To evaluate the nutrient content of Venda kale at different maturation stages as a solution for micronutrient deficiencies.
Evaluated nutrient content of Venda kale harvested at 5, 7, and 9 weeks post-planting.
Compared nutrient profiles with Swiss chard and baby spinach.
Used statistical analysis to determine significance (p-values) across different nutrients and harvest times.
Venda kale showed a significant decrease in most nutrients over time, except for increases in manganese and phosphorus.
At 5 weeks, Venda kale had higher iron, zinc, and calcium content than Swiss chard.
Venda kale provided >14% of the dietary reference intakes for calcium and manganese based on serving size.

Abstract

African leafy vegetables are an affordable, traditional food, easy to grow and often advised to improve dietary diversity. However, nutrient content can differ based on species and plant maturity. This study determined the nutrient content (N = 8; mg/100 g fresh, raw leaves) of a species of Brassica, known colloquially as “Venda kale” (VK), harvested at 5, 7, and 9 weeks after planting in peat moss and coir fiber, as a potential source to address micronutrient deficiencies. A significant (p 14% of the dietary reference intakes (DRI; males and females) for Ca and Mn. VK could be advised as an alternative to SC in addressing specific micronutrient deficiencies, but the overall mineral content is lower than that of baby spinach.

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