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Ramps
The wild ramp, AKA wild leek, botanical name Allium tricoccum, is a flowering perennial plant that grows in clusters. It is a member of the Allium family along with onions and leeks
Calamondin Limes
The Calamondin lime is a cross between a sour, loose skinned mandarin and a kumquat, therefore technically making it an orangequat.
Salanova® Lettuces
Salanova® lettuce is a full-sized variety developed for the baby lettuce market. Botanically these varieties are scientifically known as Lactuca sativa.
Description/Taste
Red Swiss chard has broad, wavy and wrinkled bronzed green leaves with contrasting crimson red leaf stalks. The ruby red stalks extend into red veins throughout the plant's leaves. Red Swiss chard's flavor profile shares the earthiness of a beet green with the salinity of spinach. The red stalks are fibrous, often bitter and succulent, as they carry the bulk of the plant's water content. Both the leaves and the stalk are edible.
Seasons/Availability
Red Swiss chard is available year-round.
Current Facts
Red Swiss chard, botanical name Beta vulgaris subsp. cicla var. Flavescens, is the common name given to several Red Swiss chard varieties such as Magenta Sunset, Rhubarb and Vulcan. Betalain pigments are found in the stalks and leaves. These pigments are responsible for the plants vivid red colorings. They are also a vital utility for the plant's survival, attracting bees and insects for pollination while also providing natural UV protection. The plant also carries traces of geosmin, which is a volatile molecule displaying a wet-earth and woody aroma. That aroma can be assimilated on the palate, as volatile molecules set off the mouth's taste receptors.
Nutritional Value
Chard is known to be a nutritional powerhouse vegetable packed with vitamins, nutrients and health benefits. Red Swiss chard contains high levels of vitamins C, K, E, beta-carotene, calcium and the minerals manganese and zinc. As noted, it also contains betalain. Betalin pigments have repeatedly been shown to support activity within the body's detoxification process, activating and processing unwanted toxic substances. Betalians are not heat-stable, though, so longer cooking times can decrease their presence.
Applications
Most people do not associate Swiss chard varieties with Switzerland, regardless of the given name. As Red Swiss chard is native to the Mediterranean region, many recipes and applications are of Mediterranean influence. Red Swiss chard can be served raw or cooked. It can be sauteed, blanched, stewed, baked, even grilled. It can be added to salads, pastas, pizza, bruschetta, gratins and soups. The chard stalks are edible and add texture and flavor to the dishes they’re cooked into. Complimentary ingredient pairings include citrus, tomatoes, garlic, chickpeas, white beans, aged and melting cheeses, cream, mushrooms, bacon, fennel and herbs such as basil, tarragon and chervil.
Geography/History
As its genus, Beta vulgaris, suggests, chard is, in fact, a beet that has been chosen for leaf production at the expense of root formation. All chard varieties are descendents of the sea beet (B. maritima), a wild seashore plant found growing along the Mediterranean and Atlantic coasts of Europe and North Africa. Red Swiss chard varieties were already being cultivated as a leaf vegetable in Greece circa 400 B.C. Through mutation, varieties have been developed with widened leaf stalks, milder flavor, soil adaptability and disease resistance. Most Red Swiss chard varieties tolerate a wide range of soils and weather conditions with ease.
Featured Restaurants
Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.
| Crust Pizzeria Carlsbad 2019 | Carlsbad CA | 760-944-1111 |
| C 2 C | San Diego CA | 619-972-9345 |
| Catamaran | San Diego CA | 858-488-1081 |
| Flying Pig Pub & Kitchen | Oceanside CA | 619-990-0158 |
| La Jolla Country Club | San Diego CA | 858-454-9601 |
| Open Gym-Craft Meals | San Diego CA | 619-865-3024 |
| Herb & Wood | San Diego CA | 520-205-1288 |
| Alila Marea Beach Resort | Encinitas CA | 805-539-9719 |
| Avant | San Diego CA | 858-675-8505 |
| Continental Catering Inc | La Mesa CA | 907-738-9264 |
| Top of the Market | San Diego CA | 619-234-4867 |
| Cross Roots | San Diego CA | 858-245-1678 |
| La Costa Glen South | Carlsbad CA | 760-704-1000 |
| Miho | San Diego CA | 619-365-5655 |
| Saint Mark Golf and Resort, LLC | San Marcos CA | 508-320-6644 |
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Red Swiss Chard. One
is
easiest, three is harder.| Chick in the Kitchen |
|
Swiss Chard & Gruyère Frittata |
Recently Shared
People have shared Red Swiss Chard using the Specialty Produce app for iPhone and Android.
Produce Sharing allows you to share your produce discoveries with your neighbors and the world! Is your market carrying green dragon apples? Is a chef doing things with shaved fennel that are out of this world? Pinpoint your location annonymously through the Specialty Produce App and let others know about unique flavors that are around them.
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Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 235 days ago, 3/05/21 Sharer's comments : Chard from Fresno Evergreens! 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 290 days ago, 1/08/21 Sharer's comments : Red chard!! 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 330 days ago, 11/30/20 Sharer's comments : Chard from Fresno evergreen! |
