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Produce Briefs...
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.
SalanovaĀ® Lettuces
SalanovaĀ® 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 theyāre 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.
| Shoreside Support Boat | San Diego CA | 704-277-7929 |
| Nutmeg Bakery & Cafe 2 | Poway CA | 858-397-2922 |
| Pete's Premade Paleo | San Diego CA | 770-359-8274 |
| Coast Catering | Escondido CA | 619-295-3173 |
| Miho Gastrotruck | San Diego CA | 619-867-4295 |
| La Costa Glen South | Carlsbad CA | 760-704-1000 |
| Brigantine Poway | Poway CA | 858-486-3066 |
| Herb & Wood | San Diego CA | 619-955-8495 |
| Lodge at Torrey Pines Main | San Diego CA | 858-453-4420 |
| Crust Pizzeria Carlsbad 2019 | Carlsbad CA | 760-944-1111 |
| Brigantine Coronado | Coronado CA | 619-435-4166 |
| Pacifica Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 858-792-0505 |
| Glenbrook Health Center | Carlsbad CA | 760-704-1000 |
| Georges at the Cove | San Diego CA | 858-454-4244 |
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Red Swiss Chard. One
is
easiest, three is harder.| Rose Water & Orange Blossoms |
|
Garlicky Lentil Soup with Swiss Chard and Lemon |
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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Central market of Athens Greece š¬š·
Athinagoras LTD
Near Athens, Attiki, GreeceCentral market of Athens Greece G-43 About 293 days ago, 9/26/19 Sharer's comments : Red chard āļø 
Harvest Urban Market
Harvest Urban Market
Near San Francisco, California, United States191 8th Street San Francisco CA 94103 415-621-1000 About 368 days ago, 7/12/19 
Bob's Market
Bobs Market
Near Santa Monica, California, United States1650 Ocean Park Blvd Santa Monica CA 90405 310-452-2493 About 383 days ago, 6/28/19 
Gelson's Market
Gelsonās Market - S. Coast Hwy
Near Laguna Beach, California, United States30922 S. Coast Hwy. Laguna Beach CA 92651 949-499-8130 About 387 days ago, 6/23/19 
Whole Foods Market
Whole Foods Market - Cresent Drive
Near Beverly Hills, California, United States239 N Cresent Drive Beverly Hills CA 90210 310-274-3360 About 388 days ago, 6/23/19 
Stater Bros. Markets
Stater Bros. Markets - Baker Street
Near South Coast Metro, California, United States1175-c Baker St. Costa Mesa CA 92626 714-437-0754 About 389 days ago, 6/21/19 Sharer's comments : Beautiful colors. 
Vista Farmers Market
Luis Suarez Farm
Near Vista, California, United StatesAbout 473 days ago, 3/30/19 Sharer's comments : Fresh! Kroger Truce pkwy Near Nesbit, Mississippi, United States About 523 days ago, 2/07/19 
Whole Foods Co-op
Near Duluth, Minnesota, United StatesAbout 625 days ago, 10/29/18 Sharer's comments : Red Swiss Chard spotted at Whole Foods Co-op. |
