Skip to content

Swiss Chard

Swiss chard is a colourful leafy green in the beet family grown at Cold Springs Organics from late spring through fall. The stems come in red, yellow, and white — all are edible — and the broad dark green leaves are mild and slightly earthy, similar to beet greens or spinach.

  • Refrigerate unwashed in a loosely sealed bag in the crisper.
  • Use within 5–7 days.
  • Chard wilts faster than kale — use it earlier in the week.

Rinse leaves and stems well. The stems take longer to cook than the leaves — if sautéing, start the stems first. Tear or chop the leaves. The stems can also be pickled or eaten raw in slaws.

  • Sautéed — cook stems in oil for 3–4 minutes, add garlic, then add leaves and wilt for 2–3 more minutes; finish with lemon.
  • Braised — cook with a splash of broth and tomato over low heat until completely tender.
  • In pasta or frittata — wilted chard works beautifully in egg dishes and pasta.

Chard with white beans — sauté sliced chard stems and leaves with garlic, add a can of rinsed white beans and a splash of broth, and simmer until creamy. Serve with crusty bread.