We massage kale salad for four main reasons: 1) It makes the kale easier to chew and more pleasant to eat. 2) It reduces the kale bitterness. This happens because the fiber is broken down, and the juices from the kale soften its bitter flavor. 3) It makes it easier to digest, as the salt and lemon juice, combined with the mechanical action of massaging, partially cook the kale. 4) It tastes better. The lemon juice and salt improve the flavor of the kale significantly. We recommend massaging kale every time you have it raw.