Alma Bax 
Swiss Chard is a leafy green vegetable that is also known as Queen of the Greens. If you don’t know what that means, then it’s probably not the vegetable you are looking for. Swiss chard is a cruciferous vegetable that is a member of the same family as cabbage, kale, and cauliflower.
Swiss chard is a high-nutrient veggie, high in fiber, low in fat and calories. It is available year-round, and has a rich flavor, a slightly bitter taste, and a green color. It is more bitter than spinach, and has a similar flavor to beet greens. Swiss chard is relatively easy to grow. It has a thick, succulent stem with a mild flavor that can vary from mild to very bitter. The leaves are similar in flavor to spinach, they are slightly bitter, which means the stems need to be cooked.
Swiss chard is a leafy green vegetable. It is a plant in the same family as beets, broccoli, and kale. Swiss chard consists of leaves. It is frequently grown as an ornamental plant or for its leaves. Swiss chard is usually consumed as a vegetable. The leaves are used in the preparation of stir-fries and other dishes. The seeds are also edible. Swiss chard is a good source of fiber and vitamin C.
A Quick Look
Swiss chard is a lush green vegetable related to beets, spinach, and quinoa genetically. Swiss chard is distinguished by its big, glossy leaves and colorful stems, as well as its earthy, green flavor. It’s a rich source of vitamin A, magnesium, manganese, and copper, as well as a great source of vitamin K. Cooked Swiss chard may be more healthy.
Overview
Swiss chard is a very nutritious dark leafy green vegetable that belongs to the chenopod family. Beets, spinach, and quinoa are examples of chenopods.
The name of Swiss chard is the most enigmatic aspect about it. It isn’t native to Switzerland, and it isn’t even widely grown there. Instead, it is native to Mediterranean areas, but it is cultivated in a variety of climates throughout the globe due to its broad temperature tolerance.
In terms of nomenclature, Swiss chard is simply known as “spinach” in South Africa. There’s much more mystery.
Identification
Large, glossy, rippling leaves with vividly contrasted stalks veining across the leaf characterize Swiss chard. Stalks come in a variety of colors, including white, yellow, pink, and red. The leaves are usually dark green, although they may be purple.
Swiss chard has a similar earthy, mineral flavor to spinach. It’s somewhat bitter, but the bitterness fades as it cooks.
Nutritional Information
35 calories, 3.3 grams of protein, 7.2 grams of carbs, 3.7 grams of fiber, 1.9 grams of sugar, and 0.1 grams of lipids are included in one cup of boiling, drained Swiss chard (approximately 175 grams). Swiss chard is a rich source of vitamin A, magnesium, manganese, and copper, as well as a great source of vitamin K. It is a rich source of vitamin C when eaten fresh.
Note that the aforementioned figures are for Swiss chard that has been cooked. Swiss chard shrinks dramatically when cooked, like many leafy greens, thus 1 cup of cooked Swiss chard has considerably more nutrients than 1 cup of raw Swiss chard.
Another difference between cooked and raw Swiss chard is the presence of oxalic acid. Many leafy green vegetables include oxalic acid, a chemical that may prevent nutrients from being absorbed during digestion. Because cooking lowers the amount of oxalic acid in plants, cooked Swiss chard is not only more nutrient rich in terms of volume, but its minerals may also be more absorbable.
Selection
Swiss chard is often offered in bunches that are protected. Choose plants with glossy, firm, and green foliage, as well as strong, generally blemish-free stems. Swiss chard that has wilted leaves, holes in the leaves, or floppy stalks has passed its prime.
Storage
After you’ve purchased Swiss chard, here’s a fantastic method to extend its life in the fridge:
Remove the very bottom part of the stalks using a sharp knife. Place the stalks in a glass of water and keep in the fridge, much like a bouquet of flowers. Swiss chard may be stored in this manner for up to five days and will not wilt.
If you find yourself with an overabundance of Swiss chard, blanch it and freeze it for up to six months.
Preparation
Steaming or water-frying Swiss chard is the easiest method to prepare it.
Bring a saucepan of water to a boil, then put the leaves in a steamer basket. Remove the basket and drain after steaming until the spinach is wilted and brilliant green (approximately five minutes).
To water-fry the Swiss chard, put it in a skillet over medium-high heat with just enough water to keep it from burning or adhering to the pan. When the Swiss chard has wilted and become a brilliant green color, it is ready to eat.
With a little butter or olive oil, a sprinkle of salt, and a pinch of minced garlic, cooked Swiss chard tastes wonderful.
Swiss chard may be eaten uncooked as well. If you want to eat it raw, slice it into extremely thin strips to make it easier to chew since it may be very fibrous. Toss into salads for a punch of green flavor.
Swiss Chard Ragu is a recipe for a ragu made with Swiss chard
This is a classic since it’s a simple slow cooker dinner with few ingredients that are frequently available around the house, and you’ll have a well-rounded meal (with vegetables included) waiting for you when you come home!
Ingredients
stew meat made with lean pork 1 pound onion, peeled and cut into wedges 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil 1 tbsp minced garlic 1 tablespoon carrots, peeled and sliced into big rounds 2 small tomatoes, chopped 1 can balsamic vinegar (14 oz) 1 tablespoon Swiss chard (finely cut, stems removed) 1 oregano bunch (dried) 1 teaspoon of salt a quarter teaspoon of black pepper Optional: 1/4 teaspoon cooked brown rice
Directions
Time to Prepare: 10 minutes Time to cook: 210 minutes Approximately 2-4 servings
In a pan, heat the oil and add the stew meat, onions, and garlic; brown the pork on both sides and transfer to the slow cooker.
In a slow cooker, combine the carrots, salt, and pepper, then add the canned tomatoes and balsamic vinegar.
Cook for 3 12–4 hours on high (or 7–8 hours on low) until the beef and vegetables are soft.
Remove the stems from the swiss chard and cut into big pieces when it’s approximately 20 – 30 minutes away from being ready to eat (if using the stems, add them to the slow cooker earlier in the process). Cook for another 20–30 minutes, until the swiss chard and oregano have wilted, in the crockpot. Turn it up to high for the last 20–30 minutes if you cooked it on low.
Serve with a side of brown rice or wholegrain pasta, or eat plain with a pinch of black pepper.
Book of Free Recipes
Every month, the Encyclopedia of Food grows as we include new delicacies and stunning food photography. Simply click this link to keep up with the latest news. Following that, we’ll give you a complimentary copy of our recipe book. We’ll also notify you when we introduce new and tasty items to the site.
For a free copy of the Encyclopedia of Food recipe book, go here.
Foods That Are Related
Swiss chard is one of the most common greens in the United States, grown and harvested in many states. A member of the cabbage family, it is often referred to as “garden chard” or “broad-leaf chard” and is referred to as ‘Swiss chard’ in some areas. The leaves are eaten as greens, but the stalks, which are also edible, are used as greens and greens in soups.. Read more about swiss chard pasta recipes and let us know what you think.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Swiss chard go well with?
Swiss chard goes well with a variety of dishes. It is typically served as a side dish, but can also be used in soups and salads.
How do you use a lot of Swiss chard?
I eat a lot of Swiss chard.
How do you cook Swiss chard with Martha Stewart?
You can cook Swiss chard by sautéing it in a skillet with olive oil and garlic.
Related Tags
This article broadly covered the following related topics:
- how to eat swiss chard
- swiss chard nutrition
- swiss chard recipes
- swiss chard stems poisonous
- swiss chard benefits
About Author
