Abyssinian kale is a herbaceous annual plant that grows 1 to 1.5 m in height. It is native to the Mediterranean. From there it has spread through Southwest Asia and Western Europe. It grows today in many parts of the world.
Botanical characteristics: stem branched with approximately 30 side stems; inflorescence racemose, flowers numerous, small, white, tetramerous; fruits small, with 1 seed; seeds round, greenish white, 1 to 3 mm in diameter.

Abyssinian kale seeds contain approximately 30% oil. The fatty acid composition of triglycerides is defined by a high content of long-chain C20-24 fatty acids, i.e. gondoic, behenic, erucic and nervonic acids. Abyssinian kale oil is stable against oxidation. The oil has a light-yellow colour and a weak nutty odour.
Given its fatty acid composition, there is no suitable substitute for Abyssinian kale oil among other vegetable oils. It is classified into a special group of vegetable oils defined by long-chain fatty acids, together with broccoli, meadowfoam and rapeseed oils.

Long-chain fatty acids give Abyssinian kale oil its good slip and spreadability, which makes it a suitable cosmetic ingredient for the cleansing and care of the hair, which in turn should become shiny, easy to comb and manageable. Abyssinian kale oil has good potential for use in decorative cosmetics, particularly in lip products, where slip and spreadability properties are also desired. The oil may also be incorporated into skin care products for its emollient function.

Source: Modern Cosmetics - Dr. Damjan Janeš and Dr. Nina Kočevar Glavač

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