What Is Chard?

Chard is a leafy vegetable that originates from the Mediterranean. The leaves of chard have a bumpy, rough texture, and the stem is hard and colorful. There are many varieties of chard that can come in an array of different colors. This vegetable also goes by many other names like spinach beet and Roman kale. 

What Does Chard Taste Like?

Raw chard tastes very similar to spinach but can have a bitter taste. Cooking the chard helps to remove the bitterness, and will give the vegetable a sweet, earthy flavor, similar to a beet. 

How Can You Eat Chard?

Chard can be eaten cooked or raw, in salads, soups, stir-fries, casseroles, and more. Boiling and sauteeing are common ways to cook chard to add it to other dishes since cooking chard helps reduce its bitterness. 

Where Can You Buy Chard?

Chard can be bought at the grocery store and is usually near other leafy green vegetables like kale and spinach. This vegetable peaks in the summertime, making it the best time to find local chard at the grocery store.

How Do You Store Chard?

You can store the whole chard in the refrigerator for a few days. Alternatively, you can also separate the leaves and stems for longer shelf life. To do this, roll the leaves up in paper towels and store them in a plastic bag and store the stems in a separate bag. In addition, you can freeze fresh chard for up to a year, by separating the leaves and stems, partially cooking them in boiling water and storing them in a plastic bag.

Fun Fact about Chard

Chard contains a large amount of beta-carotene, which is excellent for keeping our eyes healthy!

Did you know?

Chard plants can grow up to 28 inches high!

Recipes Using Chard

Sauteed Chard with Lemon and Garlic

In a skillet, combine chopped chard with sliced garlic and olive oil. Season with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon for a quick and tasty chard side dish. Learn more about what kind of cutting board to use when chopping vegetables here.

Mushroom and Swiss Chard Pasta

Make this pasta in less than 35 minutes and in one pot for a quick weekday meal. Saute mushrooms and garlic in a large pot. Add in dry penne pasta, chard, and chicken stock and boil for 8 minutes. The pasta will absorb the majority of the stock and create a light sauce. Add grated parmesan cheese and serve. You can also use other small pasta instead of penne to create this dish.

White Bean and Chard Soup

Saute onion, celery, garlic, and add canned beans, chard, and chicken stock. Simmer the soup for 15 minutes and serve. Season the soup with peppers, or spices like smoked paprika.

Chard and Walnut Pesto

In a food processor, combine raw chard, lemon juice, olive oil, walnuts, and parmesan or asiago cheese. Blend the mixture until smooth and use to dress pasta, on sandwiches, and vegetables.

Beet, Barley, and Rainbow Chard Salad

Combine cooked barley, chard, and roasted beets and toss with an olive oil and lemon dressing for a light, warm salad. Add feta cheese to give a creamy, salty bite and additional texture.