Swiss Chard is a versatile cooking green related to beets with a mild flavor.  We grow a colorful Rainbow Chard variety on the farm with bright yellows, oranges, and reds to liven up any meal.

 

Storage and Handling:

Store Chard in a loosely closed plastic bag in your refrigerator for up to a week.  Chard is best when used within 2 to 4 days.

 

*Farmers tip:  I like to take one of the many plastic shopping bags I have under my sink (from the times I foolishly forget my canvas bags at home) and put the Chard in leaf-end first.  Then I wrap the handles around the bottom of the stems.  This will keep the leaves crisp and fresh and expose just the end of the stems, which you trim off before cooking anyways!

 

Chard leaves should be rinsed prior to cooking to remove any leftover grit.

 

Culinary Uses:

The leaf and stem from Chard can be used.  Chard can be sautéed with onions and/or garlic, steamed, added to soups, added into pasta and rice dishes, layered into lasagna, and cooked into frittatas.  Use your imagination; Chard is delicious and very versatile.