Chard

Chard Also known as:Swiss Chard, Silverbeet, Perpetual Spinach, Mangold.Chard (Beta vulgaris var. cicla is a leafy vegetable. Chard has shiny green ribbed leaves, with stems that range from white to yellow and red depending on the cultivar. Swiss chard, along with kale, mustard greens and collard greens, is one of several leafy green vegetables often referred to as "greens". Chard belongs to the same family as beets and spinach and shares a similar taste profile: it has the bitterness of beet greens and the slightly salty flavor of spinach leaves. Both the leaves and stalk of chard are edible, although the stems vary in texture with the white ones being the most tender .Fresh young chard can be used raw in salads. Mature chard leaves and stalks are typically cooked or sauteed; the bitter flavor fades with cooking. Although Swiss chard is available throughout the year, its season runs from June through August when it is at its best and in the greatest abundance