Vegetable
Beta vulgaris
S tier
Beta vulgaris cicla/flavescens groups are Swiss chard—leaf beets grown for large glossy leaves and thick colourful stems rather than swollen roots. Flavour is mild beet-green with a mineral edge; stems need longer cooking than leaves. Colourful petioles define modern mixes. Sauté leaves, braise stems, or bake gratins. Species ties chard to beetroot. Cut outer leaves for continuous harvest.
Track this ingredient
Unit
Characteristics
Preparations
Continuous CutGratinLeaf SauteSoupStem Braise
Traits
Colourful RibsGlossy LeafLarge Glossy LeafMild Beet GreenMild Mineral GreenSpecies Leaf BeetSpecies UmbrellaThick Petiole
History
IT
Mediterranean leaf beets predated modern Swiss chard selections.
CH
Swiss and nearby Alpine gardens refined large-ribbed chard types.
Named Swiss chard spread through European and American seed trade.
Rainbow stem mixes made B. vulgaris chard a market showpiece.