Kale rises from bitter harvest to popular, healthy 'superfood'

Wang Cuifen's farm is also working with the Weifang Academy of Agricultural Sciences to draft industry standards for the entire production chain of pregnancy-safe and infant-grade kale.

"This is the first in the kale sector. I hope to promote these standards so that more people can access healthy vegetables," she said.

Inspired by Chen Zhenlong, a merchant said to have introduced sweet potatoes to China in the 16th century that helped alleviate a food crisis, Wang aspires to make a similar impact.

"I want to improve the dietary habits of the Chinese people," she said. "Just as Chen Zhenlong changed the way we eat, I hope kale can become a staple in our diets."