When it comes to Swiss chard, the answer is simple – you can eat almost everything! Swiss chard is an extremely healthy vegetable that’s low in calories and rich in vitamins and minerals. We all know it’s good for us, but sometimes it can be hard to decide what part of the plant to use in a dish. That’s why we have put together a helpful guide to help you figure out which parts of Swiss chard you should be eating.
Let’s start with the leaves. Swiss chard leaves are large and fleshy, often growing up to 10 inches in length. These leaves can be cooked in a variety of ways, from steaming and boiling to sautéing and stir-frying. The stalks can also be cooked, but they tend to be tougher and require a bit more cooking time. You can slice the stalks into strips and sauté them with onions and garlic for a tasty dish.
If you’re looking for a sweeter taste, try the stems and petioles. These part of the plant are usually a bit sweeter than the leaves and provide a great texture to salads. You can also roast the stems with olive oil until they’re a bit crispy and serve them as a tasty side dish.
Finally, the flowers can be used for a spicy addition to any dish. These petite, tart flowers are often used to add a little bit of heat and can also be used to make a delicious pesto.
So there you have it! Swiss chard is a great way to get your greens in and can be used in a variety of ways. You can cook the leaves, stems, and petioles, or just enjoy the sweet and spicy flowers in a pesto. No matter how you use it, Swiss chard is sure to make your meals a bit healthier and tastier. Bon Appétit!