Crossword Genius

Hardy green ring from King Lear (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

kale

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'hardy green ring' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I don't see how one could define the other.

'king lear' is the wordplay.
'king' becomes 'k'.
'lear' becomes 'ale' (I can't explain this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'k'+'ale'='KALE'

'from' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for kale that I've seen before include "Crinkle-leaf cabbage" , "Hardy cabbage" , "Type of cabbage" , "Cabbage variety" , "Curly-leafed cabbage" .)

I've seen this clue in the Irish Times.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app