At the Taste of Buffalo, one lucky kale enthusiast is going home with $2,000.
In conjunction with the Independent Health Foundation, participants in the “healthiest eating competition ever” will have the opportunity to become the King or Queen of Kale, according to the Kale Yeah! Facebook event page.
"For the first time in human history, the world's greatest eaters will test themselves against the almighty kale—the leafy green vegetable that has captured the hearts and minds of both the culinary set and those for whom their body is a temple," said Major League Eating.
Before the year 2012, Pizza Hut was the largest buyer of kale, which was used as garnish along the restaurant’s salad bar, as reported by Mind Body Green. Now, many view the green super food as the pinnacle of healthy eating, next to quinoa.
"For civilian eaters, kale is a good source of thiamin, riboflavin, pantothenic acid, vitamin E and several dietary minerals, including iron, calcium, potassium, and phosphorus," Major League Eating said. "For Major League Eaters, kale also becomes a great source of prize money and a source of glory."
Participants will convene on the steps of Buffalo City Hall and have eight minutes to eat as much kale as they can stomach. How much kale can someone possibly eat in eight minutes? First place will go home with $2,000, probably much more than any of us ever thought was possible. The second through fifth place winners will also leave with cash prices ranging from $150 to $1,000. Everyone else will depart with more than the recommended amount of various vitamins and minerals.
The Kale Yeah! event was created to highlight the healthy food options served at Buffalo’s yearly food festival, alongside chicken, ice cream, and other typical festival treats. The Healthy Options program established by the Independent Health Foundation requires the event’s vendors to offer a healthy menu item.
"Just a healthy reminder to get your share of greens in each day because if these eaters can manage kale by the pounds, you might consider a few sprigs in your smoothie, soup or salad," the event advised.