Nature's Gift: Spotlight on Chard

Ruby chard: rinsed and ready to be cut!

Nature's Gift: Spotlight on Chard

As part of an ongoing series I will be doing periodic spotlights on various fruits and vegetables. This is a great way to learn about new -- possibly strange or unfamiliar -- produce and to highlight some classics and favorites.

This week's spotlight shines on Chard! Chard is a lovely dark leafy green that comes in several varieties, including Swiss Chard, Rudy or Red Chard (pictured), and Rainbow Chard.

The color refers to the stem, not the leaves, which are always a rich, bright green. I used Ruby Chard, which actually looks a lot like rhubarb! But please note that although they look very similar, they taste very different and have different uses.

The first thing you want to do is rinse well to remove any dirt or debris, which can hide in the folds of the leaves. Be thorough as dirt can really hide in there. Next step, carefully remove the leafy parts from the stems.

Check my fresh knife skills!

It is okay if you miss bits of the stem, but you want to remove most of them since they can be tough and reedy. Some people do slice them up and eat them, but I think they are best used in a stock or composted. Also, the stems can be fed to pet bunnies and guinea pigs. Next, cook it up!

My favorite way to make all types of chard is too keep it simple: saute with olive oil, salt, pepper and garlic. You can certainly add other ingredients, but keep it light and simple so you don't cover up the delicious green leafy taste of this little gem. Young or baby chard can be eaten raw in a salad. Add it to a stir-fry with rice or add to pasta and sauce. Or just straight up as a side with a veggie burger!

What does it taste like? Chard has a delicious bright green flavor to it -- a little bit spinachy; less "bitter" than kale. Nevertheless, don't be turned off if you are not a fan of either of these, as it is a completely different veggie and has a unique flavor. In fact, Swiss chard is actually a member of the beet family.
I loathe beets; love chard. So keep an open mind!

Chard can be used in similar ways to these other leafy greens. And similarly it is really good for you! It is high in potassium and vitamins A and K, with a high water content and almost no fat. It is bursting with antioxidants and recent research confirms it is one of the healthiest vegetables, only second behind spinach in terms of nutrients. [See http://www.whfoods.com/chard for more nutrition details.]

So it is green, delightful, versatile, easy to make, and inexpensive. What are you waiting for? Go get some! If possible, shop at a local farm or farmers' market, as fresh is best and it is important to support local growers. You can get a bunch at many grocery stores, but be sure to look it over thoroughly...watch out for wilted or soggy leaves. 

As you can see here, it is so yummy that even dogs like it! I dropped a piece and Snuggles snatched it right up!

[Editorial note: I am working hard on improving my photography skills, please bear with me.]

Kermit Was Wrong: It Is Easy Being Green

Kermit Was Wrong: It Is Easy Being Green

Don't get me wrong. I love Kermit the Frog. In fact, several years ago in Los Angeles his was the only star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame that I took a picture of. But, I say, my beloved Kermit was wrong when he sang, "it's not easy being green." 


In fact -it IS easy being green! And this blog is dedicated to fun, simple ways to green-ify your life. For the inaugural post I offer you four easy tips that you can incorporate into your life today to ease your impact on this beautiful earth. Many of these topics will be explored in more detail in future posts, so stay tuned!

1. Recycle! 
This is one of the easiest and simplest ways to help the planet. These days nearly every major city and most towns have municipal recycling programs. All you have to do is get a bin, load it up, put it out on the selected day, and they pick it up! How easy is that?! If you live in a rural area your local landfill probably has a recycling program where you can drop off recyclable items when you drop off your trash. (See that big heap of garbage, the goal is to make it smaller by adding less stuff to it!) Not sure if your town has a program or how to get a bin? Search and find out! 

2. Reusable Grocery/Tote Bags
This one is so easy peasy, I swear! First of all, there are so many cute reusable bags out there, why wouldn't you want to use them? And, you can fit so much more stuff in them and they are easier to carry! Keep some reusable bags near your door or in your car so you have them handy. There are even little ones that fold or roll up that you can leave in your purse. And, because reusable bags are very hip many businesses, banks, stores give them out for free. Although trust me when I say buying a few will be the best few dollars you spend.

 (Look for future post on this topic with more details!)

3. Eat Less Meat
Ok, I know this one is going to stir up the pot, but bear with me. The evidence is out there and cannot be ignored: factory farming is destroying our planet. Not only is it bad for the earth, it is bad for humans and for animals. The agricultural industry produces more methane gas and pollution than any other industry, including transportation. There are so many delicious meat-free options these days that you can go veg without missing the meat -- and you don't even have to eat tofu!  Just reducing your animal protein intake one day a week reduces your impact on the earth and increases your health. Take a small step and give up the beef just one day a week. Check out Meat Free Mondays or Meatless Mondays for more info.  

Side Note: Don't care about animals? Think they are here for us to eat? Well, do you want to eat pesticides, hormones, bacteria, feces and urine? I'm guessing not, so eat less meat and you will eat less shit, literally.

4. Plant a Garden
Growing your own food has so many benefits! Not only does fresh produce taste great, you know everything about it and where it came from because you grew it, you groovy little farmer! No pesticides, all organic and so close by. The best part, you can plant all of your favorites or try new veggies. Don't have a yard? Try a little patio garden. Herbs, tomatoes, and cucumbers are easy to grow in containers and there are many varieties available. Planting a garden reduces your earth impact in several ways (particularly transportation) and reduces your stress too because digging outside in the dirt is good for you! Note: This is also a great way to get kids involved...have them help you plant, water, and watch things grow! Really no room to plant or have a brown thumb? Consider participating in a local CSA or community garden program. 

My (sad little) garden 2 summers ago. 

Editorial Note: In the effort of full disclosure, I will be honest. I have a very small yard. Although, since I live in the city, I am lucky and happy to have a yard at all! I also have 3 dogs who love to run around and dig things up. And squirrels, moles and bunnies who love to eat things right out of the garden. Frankly, I am not the best grower of vegetables, but every year I try. I even had my hubby build me a raised bed a few years ago and I will be adding another this spring. A lot of times my plants die. It sucks. But I do it anyway. Why? Well, for one, stubborn determination. Also, it is a great learning experience and I love to be outside. And finally, because on those occasions when I do succeed it really is rewarding. 

So there you are. Four awesome and super easy ways to help our lovely Mother Earth and be a super groovy better resident on this planet. I know some of you are thinking, "oh this little granola nugget is too much" but I really think if you try even just one of these things you will recognize benefits and reap the rewards. Go forth and be green! 

Did I miss something obvious? Post a comment and let me know.