Swiss chard is a leafy green vegetable and is often associated with Mediterranean food and cooking. It is an extremely nutrition vegetable, packing a ton of Vitamin A, Vitamin K Vitamin C per average serving. In addition, Swiss chard leaves contain antioxidants. Some research shows chard containing anywhere from 10 to 15 different types of healthy antioxidants.
In Season
We are always a fan of using, picking and enjoying in season vegetables. Look for Swiss chard between the late summer and into the end of fall. Many supermarkets will carry Swiss Chard year round.
How to Select and Store
Choose chard that is held in a chilled area display. Look for leaves that are vivid green. A sign of browning or yellowing leaves is a sign the chard is older and will be much more bitter. Bring your bunch of chard home and do not wash it before storing. Exposure to water does encourage spoilage. Place swiss chard in a plastic storage bag and wrap the bag tightly around the chard, squeezing out as much air form the bag as possible. Refrigerate for up to 5 days.
How to Prepare and Cook Swiss Chard
Swiss chard is great blanched lightly and used in salads, as part of a rustic pasta dishes, a green element in a fancy quiche or blended as part of a delicious pesto sauce. Having steak for dinner? Try turning to Swiss Chard instead of spinach for a creamed Swiss Chard side dish.