Have you ever been in Switzerland and seen the stunning Swiss chard? If so, you have probably wondered when the ideal time is to pick it for the perfect flavour and texture. Well, the answer lies in the elements and your patience! Picking Swiss chard correctly can give you the perfect texture and representation of this classic Swiss dish.
If you want to pick the best Swiss chard, the key is to wait for the perfect moment to pick it. This varies between early spring and late autumn months. As the chard begins to grow, it is more leafy and almost has a bitter taste. Once it grows a bit more, it gains more sweetness and can be more thematically enjoyable. To get the perfect representation of Swiss chard, you need to pick it between the months of June and August – the peak season for the amazing vegetable!
In the colder months, it’s best to let Swiss chard remain in the ground until the last possible moment as it increases in sweetness over time. To pick Swiss chard at it’s peak, ensure that the leaves are all full-sized and no bruising or discolouration is visible. The leaf should be light green with a few flecks of slightly darker green as you tilt it to the side. Once the chard has become too large, the leaves become quite large and flavourless. It’s also best to pick Swiss chard in the evening for the most natural sweetness.
It’s important to store the Swiss chard carefully if not using it right away as the vegetable is quite sensitive. Immediately after picking Swiss chard, place it into a damp towel and place that in a plastic bag in the fridge. This will help keep the moisture and the ideal temperature until you need it for meal preparation.
Picking Swiss chard correctly takes patience and a watchful eye, but in the end, you can be sure you’ll be rewarded with a vegetable that is full of flavour and sweetness. Whether you’re in Switzerland or just getting some from the grocer, understanding when and how to pick Swiss chard can help you keep a perfect version of the classic dish on your dinner table.