Steven M

Should Swiss chard be started indoors? Yes, you absolutely can start Swiss chard indoors, and it’s often a smart move for gardeners who want a head start on the season.   Starting Swiss chard indoors gives you control over germination, which can be finicky if the soil is too cold or too wet outside.   … Read more

Swiss chard seeds should not be soaked before planting, as this simple practice can actually hinder their germination.   Unlike some hard-shelled seeds that need a little help cracking open, Swiss chard seeds have a delicate coating that doesn’t require pre-soaking to sprout successfully.   In fact, when you soak Swiss chard seeds before planting, … Read more

To wilt swiss chard, all you need is heat, a little moisture, and about two to three minutes of your time.   It’s one of the quickest and easiest ways to cook this leafy green, and it transforms those big, sturdy leaves into a tender, silky side dish that pairs beautifully with just about anything. … Read more

Swiss chard should be in full sun to truly thrive and produce those big, beautiful, flavorful leaves. While many gardeners wonder if they can get away with less light, planting swiss chard in full sun is the absolute best way to ensure vigorous growth. If you’ve been asking yourself whether swiss chard should be in … Read more

You wash and cut Swiss chard by rinsing the leaves thoroughly to remove grit, then separating the stems from the leaves before chopping them into your desired sizes.   It’s a straightforward process that makes this leafy green ready for soups, sautés, and salads in just a few minutes.   If you’ve ever brought home … Read more

To wash Swiss chard properly, you need to get into those curly leaves because they love to trap dirt and grit.   It’s one of those leafy greens that always seems to have a little extra soil clinging to it, no matter how fresh it looks at the store.   If you have ever bitten … Read more

Frozen Swiss chard is incredibly easy to use straight from the freezer in soups, stews, eggs, and pasta dishes.   You don’t need to thaw it first, and you can toss those frozen leaves directly into whatever you’re cooking.   Learning how to use frozen swiss chard well saves you time, reduces food waste, and … Read more

You can use Swiss chard as a wrap by blanching the leaves briefly, drying them thoroughly, and then filling them with your favorite ingredients like you would a tortilla. Using Swiss chard as a wrap is a fantastic low-carb and gluten-free alternative to bread, and it’s surprisingly sturdy once you know the right technique. If … Read more

You use dehydrated swiss chard by rehydrating it in liquid and then adding it to soups, stews, eggs, casseroles, and countless other dishes.   This preserved leafy green is a total powerhouse in the kitchen because it keeps for months and takes up almost no pantry space.   If you have a bag of dehydrated … Read more

You can use chard stems in so many delicious ways that it’s almost a shame to toss them in the compost bin.   These sturdy, colorful stalks are packed with flavor and texture, and they deserve a starring role in your kitchen.   If you’ve been wondering how to use chard stems, you’re in the … Read more