I’ve been growing Swiss Chard for probably twenty years now. The bright colors of the stems and the beautiful large green leaves always draw me in. I’m a sucker for pretty colors in the garden, but not everyone is familiar with these Spring-grown greens.
If you look through a big store-bought container of “Spring Mix” you’ll find some baby chard in there, complete with bright pink and red spines going through the tender greens. Once it reaches mature height though, it’s not the best choice to throw in a salad without any kind of preparation. Mature Swiss chard shines when cooked or sautéed.
While not nearly as strong or tough as kale, chard has a distinct flavor the more mature it gets. Where small leaves can be eaten in a salad and taste much like tender lettuce, mature Swiss chard has a stronger, spinach-like flavor and tougher leaves.
The leaves of Swiss chard can be as large as a serving platter and the celery-like spines can become tough as the plant ages. I grow chard in succession as some varieties will last well into the heat of July. Personally, in zone 6b, I grow it all summer long.
Swiss Chard comes in a few familiar varieties with white stems, red stems and the ever fun variety pack. I always grow the “Bright Lights” variety for its vibrant stems and reliable Summer staying power.
Even if you’ve never tried Swiss chard, it’s always good to have some recipes on hand for when produce is at its peak so here are some fun recipes to make with Swiss Chard, no matter what variety you grow!
1) https://www.afamilyfeast.com/roasted-butternut-squash-and-swiss-chard/
2) https://www.foodiecrush.com/garlicky-swiss-chard-and-chickpeas/
3) https://heartbeetkitchen.com/2013/canningpreserving/pickled-swiss-chard-stems/
4) https://www.bigbearswife.com/rainbow-chard-and-mushroom-quiche/
5) https://thehappyfoodie.co.uk/recipes/minestrone-verde
6) http://www.thesavagefeast.com/2011/10/grilled-tomato-mozzarella-swiss-chard-wraps-burst-with-flavor/
7) http://www.forkknifeswoon.com/baked-eggs-with-spinach-and-swiss-chard/
8) https://www.lowcarbmaven.com/swiss-chard-stuffed-flank-steak-with-feta-and-walnuts/
9) https://www.funwithoutfodmaps.com/low-fodmap-swiss-chard-and-bacon/
10) http://www.louloubiscuit.com/swiss-chard-pesto/