Swiss Chard

Swiss chard or Chard is a leafy vegetable that belongs to the Chenopodiaceae family or within the Amaranthaceae sub-family. It is part of the same species as that of beetroot. It is a highly nutritious vegetable and extremely delicious when cooked.

Swiss Chard

Table of Contents

Table Of Content

Table of Contents

Common Names

It is known by various other common names such as silverbeet, crab beet, mangold, seakale beet, bright lights, spinach beet, chard and perpetual spinach. It is known as Acelgas in Spanish, Cahuli Saag in Hindi, Sencheerai in Tamil and Blettes in French.

Scientific Name

Scientific name for this vegetable is Beta vulgaris.

Swiss Chard

Description

Read about the physical description of these leafy vegetables.

Size: The leaves are about 6 to 12 inches long and quite wide. The stalks are about 10 to12 inches tall.

Shape: This chenopod has large, unevenly lined and ovate shaped leaves.

Color: Fresh leaves are vibrant green and the stalks are bright red colored. Red nerves noticeably run through the green leaves.

Taste: Uncooked Swiss chard tastes bitterly pungent and mildly salty.

Texture: Roots are crunchy and fleshy. Leaves of this species are little chewier than that of spinach or kale.

Distribution

This chenopod bears its origin in Sicily. Since then, its popularity has spread widely and is now grown in almost all over the globe. However, it is more popular in Mediterranean countries.

Nutritional Facts

Find out about the nutrition content in every 100 gm of saltless cooked Swiss chard. It has 7 g of calories in per cup of chopped leaves.

Nutrient	Amount	Percentage
Carbohydrates	4.13 g
Energy	84 kJ (20 kcal)
– Dietary fibers	2.1 g
– Sugars	1.1 g
Protein	1.88 g
Fat	0.08 g
Water	92.65 g
Vitamin A	6124 IU
Vitamin A equiv.	306 μg	38%
– lutein and zeaxanthin	11015 μg
– beta-carotene	3652 μg	34%
Riboflavin (vit. B2)	0.086 mg	7%
Thiamine (vit. B1)	0.034 mg	3%
Pantothenic acid (B5)	0.163 mg	3%
Niacin (vit. B3)	0.36 mg	2%
Folate (vit. B9)	9 μg	2%
Vitamin B6	0.085 mg	7%
Vitamin C	18 mg	22%
Choline	28.7 mg	6%
Vitamin K	327.3 μg	312%
Vitamin E	1.89 mg	13%
Iron	86 mg	24%
Calcium	58 mg	6%
Manganese	0.334 mg	16%
Magnesium	86 mg	24%
Potassium	549 mg	12%
Phosphorus	33 mg	5%
Zinc	0.33 mg	3%
Sodium	179 mg	12%

Heath Benefits

This leafy vegetable is highly nutritious and thus it is extremely beneficial for the health.

Swiss Chard Image

Immunity – Its high vitamin C content boosts up body immunity.

Eye Health – These leaves are enriched with lutein which is extremely beneficial for healthy eyes. Regular consumption of Swiss chard decelerates the process of age related eye problems.

Hair Health – It is a rich source of biotin which encourages faster hair growth and strengthens the hair roots.

Blood Corpuscle Heath – The high iron content of Swiss chard makes it a great agent to prevent anemia and healthy blood circulation. It also contains a high amount of vitamin K, which prevents too much of bleeding and bruising.

Brain Health – Vitamin K, present in this green vegetable, is vital for the myelin sheath formation. It is also essential for the proper functioning of the nervous system and the brain.

Cancer Protection – The phytochemicals, chlorophyll, fibers and other healthy plant pigments contained in this vegetable make it a super food that protects cancer indulging agents.

Healthy Bones – High amount of calcium, magnesium and vitamin K content in these leaves plays a key role in strengthening the bones, as well, as the teeth.

Regulates Blood Sugar – The syringic acid and fiber present in Swiss chard check the blood sugar level in diabetes patients.

Anti-oxidant – This leafy vegetable is a rich source of multiple powerful anti-oxidants such as kaempferol, quercetin, zeaxanthin, lutein, zinc, vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene and many more.

Side Effects

People with a kidney stone medical history should avoid consuming this otherwise nutritious leafy vegetable. It contains oxalic acid, which enhances oxalate stone risk.

During Pregnancy

Swiss chard is safe to consume during pregnancy and lactation period. However, expert advice should be consulted before eating it because during women undergo many hormonal and physiological changes during this period.

Uses

There are many more uses of Swiss chard apart from its edibility.

Edible Use

It is boiled, baked, curried, fried and sautéed in many dishes throughout the world.

Medicinal Use

Romans used to regard the medicinal properties of this vegetable since ancient days. The leaves can be used as a traditional poultice, to stop bleeding from injuries. Its juice is given to anemic patients for faster recovery in blood count.

Other Use

It is often grown as an ornamental plant in gardens. The vibrant green leaves, lined by ruby-red nerves and candy-apple shade of red stalks beautify the garden marvellously.

How to cook Swiss chard?

Wash the leaves and the roots very well since they are host to many parasites, besides collecting dirt and soil. Experts suggest that this vegetable should be boiled for more than 3 min. before cooking it.

Recipe

This delicious and nutritious leafy vegetable can be prepared in various recipes.

Swiss Chard Recipes

Sautéed swiss chard
Swiss chard quiche
Swiss chard chips
Rainbow swiss chard
Swiss chard pasta
Swiss chard soup
Swiss chard salad
Swiss chard gratin
Swiss chard casserole
Swiss chard frittata
Swiss chard lasagna
Swiss chard tart
Swiss chard pie
Swiss chard smoothies
Swiss chard pesto
Creamed swiss chard
Swiss chard pizza
Swiss chard juice
Steamed swiss chard
Stuffed swiss chard
Braised swiss chard

Availability

It is available between the months of April and August in colder countries. In temperate climatic countries, it is available almost throughout the year.

Swiss Chard Seeds

Storage

It should be stored in an air-tight plastic bag, and the rest of the air that slipped inside while putting the leaves in the bag should be squeezed out. Keep the plastic bag in the fridge. Do not wash the vegetable beforehand because water and moisture spoils the leaves.

Freezing Swiss chard is the best way to store it for about 5 days. The leaves can be frozen as a whole or chopped.

Fun Facts

Know some fun facts about this green, leafy vegetable.

The word “swiss” in Swiss refers to Sicily.
Boiling this vegetable in an uncovered pot and letting the water evaporate decreases the acidity indulging properties in it.
To make the leaves and the stalks equally soft, cook the stalks before the leaves.
Growing Swiss chard is very easy. It can be grown in the kitchen garden or backyard

Pictures

See the pictures of Swiss chard below in here to identify it correctly. See how the holed and twisted leafed ones look like which should be avoided as they are not fresh stock.