Swiss chard

It is a long succulent whitish stalks with large green leaves;  beet lacking swollen root; grown as a vegetable for its edible leaves and stalks.

Swiss-Chard-Seedlings

Interesting facts about swiss chard

• Are you aware that Swiss chard is a green leafy vegetable?
• Are you aware that Swiss chard is also called spinach beet and bright lights?
• Are you aware that there is “Rainbow Chard” that is a mixture of red, green and yellow stem chard?
• Are you aware that the word “Swiss” was added to the name chard to distinguish it from French spinach varieties?
• Are you aware that the stems of Swiss chard are usually white but can be red or yellow?
• Are you aware that the leaves of Swiss chard are usually green, shiny and ribbed?
• Are you aware that Swiss chard grows straight up from the ground?

Swiss Chard Rainbow

• Are you aware that Swiss chard can be picked when the leaves are young and tender or after they mature when they are larger and have tougher stems?
• Are you aware that Swiss chard has a slightly bitter taste?
• Are you aware that Swiss chard tastes similar to spinach but is not as strong?
• Are you aware that when you cook Swiss chard their bitterness fades?
• Are you aware that Swiss chard when young and tender can be eaten raw in salads?
• Are you aware that Swiss chard can be stir fried, added to soups and even stuffed?
• Are you aware that Swiss chard is a vegetable often used in Mediterranean cooking?

Swiss chard pesto

• Are you aware that in Europe Swiss chard is served either hot or cold after it has been sautéed in olive oil and garlic and seasoned?
• Are you aware that the leaves of Swiss chard are more nutritious than the center stem?
• Are you aware that Swiss chard is extremely rich in vitamins K, A and C? (Vitamin K helps blood clot. Vitamin A is important for cell growth and development, for fighting off diseases and for good vision. Vitamin C is needed by the body to form collagen in bones, cartilage, muscle, and blood vessels, and aids in the absorption of iron.)

Nutritional information on Swiss chard

NB:Carbohydrate, by difference(total carbs-fiber) is also called net carbs