Lacinato kale grows 60 to 90 centimetres and has dark blue-green leaves with an "embossed texture". Its taste is described as "slightly sweeter and more delicate ... than curly kale." The Lacinato variety is sometimes called "dinosaur kale" because its bumpy leaves may resemble what dinosaur skin looked like. It has a slightly bitter and earthy taste. Lacinato kale, like most other kale varieties, is usually blanched first, and then sautéed with other ingredients. It is commonly used in pastas and soups, but can also be eaten raw, in a salad.