What parts of Swiss chard are edible?

Chard greens look similar to beet greens, but unlike beets, the root of chard is inedible. The green leaves have a grooved, bumpy texture running up a colorful, thick stem. Both parts are edible, but they do cook at different rates.

Considering this, can you eat the stems of Swiss chard?

With the leaves: In most cases you can eat chard stems in the same dish as the leaves. If the stalks are thick, finely chop them and start cooking them a little earlier so they become tender.

Also, what goes well with Swiss chard? 7 Ways to Use Swiss Chard

Casserole. Even when it's smothered in cheese sauce, topped with blue cheese or baked with lots of eggs, the greens are still plenty healthy (and plenty delicious).
Tacos. Fill tortillas with cooked Swiss chard and scrambled eggs for a superb power breakfast.
Lentil or bean soup.
Salad.
Cakes.
Wrappers.
Under chicken.

Additionally, how do you prepare Swiss chard to eat?

Heat oil in a large heavy skillet over medium high heat. Add chopped chard stems, garlic, onion, salt, thyme, nutmeg and pepper and cook, stirring often until the onions are starting to brown, 6 to 8 minutes. Add chopped cleaned Swiss chard leaves, 2 tablespoons water and cover. Let wilt, 2 to 4 minutes.

Is Swiss chard healthier than spinach?

Swiss chard is a leafy green vegetable in the same family as beets and spinach. There's a lot of great stuff to know about Swiss chard: it's low in calories but packs a ton of antioxidants and vitamins, making it a healthy choice when cooking.

29 Related Question Answers Found

Are Swiss chard stems poisonous?

Though Swiss chard is not poisonous, all parts of the plant -- including the leaves and stalks -- contain some oxalic acid which can crystallize in people sensitive to oxalic acid, forming oxalate urinary tract stones. This may be a concern especially in those with kidney and gallbladder problems.

Is Swiss chard healthier cooked or raw?

Just like other leafy greens, Swiss chard is very low in calories. There are only 18 calories per ½ cup of cooked Swiss chard. A Food Guide serving of raw Swiss chard is 1 cup (250 mL). Swiss chard contains vitamin K which helps your body heal wounds and keeps your bones healthy too.

Does Swiss chard grow back after cutting?

Provided the growing point is not damaged, all leaves can be cut off to within 2 inches of the soil. Harvesting chard is best done with a clean and sharp pair of garden scissors or a knife. New leaves will grow quickly. Swiss chard can be stored for one to two weeks if refrigerated.

Can you eat Swiss chard everyday?

Fast facts about Swiss chard

Chard contains 3 times the recommended daily intake of vitamin K and 44 percent of the recommended amount of vitamin A. Swiss chard can be eaten raw or cooked.

How do you eat rainbow chard?

Add chopped raw chard to salads, especially with a lemon-juice vinaigrette. Raw chard can have an assertive taste, so start with a little and see what you think. Sauté chopped chard with diced onion, then use it as a filling in omelets or mixed into frittatas.

How do you use chard?

How to Use Swiss Chard

Add to soups. Give soup an extra nutrient boost by adding the greens during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
On top of pizza. Try this Swiss Chard and Hominy BBQ Pizza from Food&Wine.com!
Toss with cooked pasta. Add to cooked pasta to wilt.
Pickled chard stems.

Is Swiss chard or kale better for you?

As you can see in the chart above, kale does exceed the other greens in vitamins A and C, but Swiss chard has 16 percent more iron than kale. Collard greens has 18 percent more calcium per serving of kale and double the amount of protein and iron. Bottom line: Yes, kale is very nutritious.

Can you freeze fresh Swiss chard?

Swiss chard is best fresh, but it can be frozen for up to a year if it's properly prepared. Blanch (boil) Swiss chard stalks for two minutes and the leaves for one minute. Place them in the ice water immediately after blanching to stop the cooking process.

How long does it take to boil Swiss chard?

Use a large pot (3 quart) with lots of water and bring to a rapid boil. Add chard to the boiling water. If stems are more than 1-inch wide, cook them for 2 minutes before adding the leaves. If less than 1 inch in width you can boil the leaves and stems together for 3 minutes.

What are the benefits of Swiss chard?

Consuming a diet rich in a wide variety of vegetables and fruits has been shown to lower heart disease risk factors, such as inflammation, high cholesterol and high blood pressure. Swiss chard is an excellent source of potassium, calcium and magnesium, minerals that help maintain healthy blood pressure ( 21 ).

How do you make Swiss chard less bitter?

6 Answers

Use older chard, which tends to be markedly less bitter than the young chard you're using;
Avoid bringing out the bitterness, by cooking at lower heat;
Mute any remaining bitterness with salt, which is pretty common for leafy greens.

What can I do with frozen Swiss chard?

Portion the blanched chard into freezer bags (1 cup is a good amount per bag), add the date, and freeze. Frozen chard should be used within 6 months. Add it to cooked dishes, like soups, stews, pasta sauces or quiche.

How do you harvest Swiss chard?

Harvest the outer leaves at the base of the stalk, leaving four to five inner leaves to continue growing. Swiss chard can also be harvested in closer plantings as baby greens, cutting the leaves about 3 inches above the soil and returning every week or so. Allow plants to re-grow to 5-6 inches before harvesting again.

Is chard good for you?

Swiss chard is a nutritional powerhouse -- an excellent source of vitamins K, A, and C, as well as a good source of magnesium, potassium, iron, and dietary fiber.

Can you eat Swiss chard raw in a salad?

Yes, you can definitely eat Swiss chard raw. It is a great addition to a green salad. Just cut it up into small pieces that are similar in size to the other greens that you are using in the salad.

How do you clean Swiss chard?

Rinse the greens until all dirt and grit is removed. Chop the chard and wash it in a salad spinner. Another way to rinse the chard is with a salad spinner. If you want to cut the chard in small pieces instead of cooking the whole leaves, you can chop it before washing.

What herbs go well with Swiss chard?

This one features Swiss chard, thyme and oregano. Other herbs used in such tarts are tarragon, sage, nettles and borage.