Chard

The health benefits of Swiss chard are amazing and include an ability to regulate blood sugar levels, prevent various types of cancer, improve digestion, boost the immune system, reduce fever, and combat inflammation. It also helps lower blood pressure, prevent heart diseases, increase bone strength, detoxify the body, and strengthen the functioning of the brain. Swiss chard is usually eaten raw in salads, cooked, or sauteed. The bitterness of the raw leaves dissipates when cooked, leaving a soft, delicious flavor.

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Storage

Store chard in the fridge for several days, if not longer. If you want to store greens in the fridge for longer, wrap them in a damp paper towel. Greens also freeze well. Blanch in salted boiling water for 3 minutes, drain and plunge into ice water. Chill for two minutes; drain. Pack in freezer containers or bags.

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Cooking Tips

Cook chard much like you would spinach. Pull the leaves from the stems and chop the stems into small pieces. Put them in the pan several minutes ahead of the leaves to allow them to cook longer. Cook stem until tender but still with a touch of crunch and cook leaves until tender and buttery. Top pizzas with sliced, raw chard leaves and add cooked chard to frittatas, tarts, galettes, or rice casseroles.

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Recipes

Alice Waters’ Chard Frittata

Deborah Madison’s Chard & Saffron Tart

How to Make a Savory Tart without a Recipe

Swiss Chard with Raisins & Nuts

Green Shakshuka

Swiss Chard Gratin

Chard & Rice Casserole (this recipe calls for spinach, but chard works beautifully)

Chard Saag Paneer 

Sweet Potato, Chard, & Black Bean Enchiladas

Crispy Chard & Ricotta Pizza

Swiss Chard Lasagna with Mushrooms & Ricotta

Ribollita (Substitute chard in for kale)