Have you ever found yourself at the farmers’ market surveying the offerings when your eyes catch a multicolored stalk with sturdy green leaves? Do you wonder how it looks so much like bok choy, dinosaur kale, and celery all at the same time?
Swiss Chard, as it is often called, is one of the most stunning visuals on our market tables this spring. We find that so many folks want to take some of this rainbow magic home with them, but don’t know where to start once it reaches the kitchen. So, here at Where the Redfearn Grows, we put our heads together to provide some tools to make your chard last longer and taste delectable.
Storage
This particular vegetable is actually quite heat tolerant in the field, but as with many greens, it’s important to store Swiss Chard dry and in a cool place. For added protection, consider storing your chard in a plastic bag and press out extra air to reduce the chance of condensation. The greens will stay crisp for about a week. But, it’s easy to find a use for chard up to two weeks after you bring it home!
Recipes
Sauteed Chard
Swiss Chard is most frequently used as a cooking green. It can definitely be tossed with some your favorite toppings for a fresh garden salad. However, we find it’s just as easy to throw it in a pan with some oil and spices to soften up the leaves and bring out more flavor. Check out this recipe for a simple sautee, easily added to any meal.
Egg Bake
The great thing about chard is its versatility. It compliments most meats, rice-and-bean combos, and, our personal favorite, eggs. Much like kale and other cooking greens, adding chard to some hot scrambled eggs provides lots of color and a nutritional boost no matter the time of day. If you’re looking to save time or make a larger meal, consider this chard and onion frittata. It’s our go-to for a filling lunch or breakfast on a busy farming day!
Once you feel comfortable with the basics, start exploring! We’ve seen chard used in lots of different ways, from topping burgers or subs to making little fry cakes. Let us know what you find when you see us at market or in the comments below. At Where the Redfearn Grows, we are all about trying and sharing new ways to put local produce on the table for the people we care about (and that includes YOU)!
We hope to see you at the Lee’s Summit or Overland Park farmers’ markets or at our CSA pick-up this week! Until then, soak up that wonderful spring sunshine!
All the best,
Your Redfearn Farmers
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