Our knife skills series continues with a simple tutorial on how to cut Swiss chard. In this post, I will also show you how to clean chard and tips on the best way to store it.
Swiss Chard Basics: Cutting, Washing and Storage
Today we’re talking all things Chard! Every year I grow Rainbow Chard in my garden so I have gotten quite adept at prepping and storing large quantities of chard. So today I am sharing my top tips on how to prep this leafy green veggie. We’ll go over the best way to chop, wash and store chard.
- If you are new to Swiss Chard, I am happy to introduce you to it because it is super nutritious.
- While it is technically in season in the summer and early fall, it is one of those veggies that is great year-round!
- It’s tasty too! You’ll love the earthy taste and contrast of the crunchy stems and tender leaves. It’s like two veggies in one!
Once you’ve read the below tips for how to clean Swiss Chard, plus prepping your chard you’ll be ready to try one of our Swiss Chard recipes like our Simple Sauteed Swiss Chard. It so easy and great for beginners.
How To Cut Swiss Chard
Pro Tip: Both the leaves and chard stems are edible, but the key to cutting Swiss chard is to cut the stems and leaves separately. They cook at different rates so it is important to separate them.
First, lay the bunch of chard crosswise on the work surface. Cut Stems off at the base of the leaves and set aside.
2. Cut leaves in lengthwise strips and then crosswise into squares.
3. Cut the stems into small pieces, about ½ inch long.
How to wash chopped Swiss Chard
Wash the chopped chard leaves by filling a salad spinner with water, add the leaves and then swish. Lift the basket out leaving any soil or grit behind in the bottom of the salad spinner. Drain away the water and spin dry.
Transfer the leaves out of the basket, and add the stems in. Run cold water over them, swishing to remove any grit. Then lift the basket out of the water and drain away the water. Spin dry or spread on a dry kitchen towel to drain.
Can Chard be frozen?
Yes! Like most other leafy vegetables it is important to blanch Chard in boiling water before freezing it to prevent the naturally occuring enzymes from breaking it down over time. Here’s how to freeze chard:
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Make a bowl of ice water and set aside.
- Add chard leaves to the boiling water and let cook only until wilted (less than 1 minute.)
- Immediately remove the chard from the water using a slotted spoon or small strainer and plunge into the ice water.
- Drain well and spread out on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid.
- Transfer the Chard to a resealable bag and keep frozen up to 6 months.
Swiss Chard Recipes
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Happy Cooking! ~Katie
Description
Here’s the steps to cut and wash Swiss Chard leaves. It is important to keep the leaves and stems separate because they cook at different rates.
1 large head Swiss Chard (about 3/4 pound)
- Lay the bunch of chard crosswise on work surface.
- Cut Stems off at the base of the leaves and set aside.
- Cut leaves in lengthwise strips and then crosswise into squares.
- Cut the stems into small pieces, about ½ inch long.
- Wash by filling a salad spinner with water, add the leaves and then swish. Lift the basket out leaving any soil or grit behind in the bottom of the salad spinner. Drain away the water and spin dry.
- Transfer the leaves out of the basket, and add the stems in. Run cold water over them, swishing to remove any grit. Then lift the basket out of the water and drain away the water. Spin dry or spread on a dry kitchen towel to drain.
- Place the stems into a small baggie or resealable container, and place the cut leaves into a separate large Ziplock bag, produce bag or re-sealable container. Refrigerate up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: na
- Category: Vegetable
- Method: Knife Skills
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 7 calories
- Fat: 0 g
- Fiber: .5 g
- Protein: .6 g
Keywords: How to cut swiss chard, how to cut chard, how to wash chard, how to store chard
About the Author
Katie Webster
Katie Webster studied art and photography at Skidmore College and is a graduate of the New England Culinary Institute. She has been a professional recipe developer since 2001 when she first started working in the test kitchen at EatingWell magazine. Her recipes have been featured in numerous magazines including Shape, Fitness, Parents and several Edible Communities publications among others. Her cookbook, Maple Quirk Books was published in 2015. She launched Healthy Seasonal Recipes in 2009. She lives in Vermont with her husband, two teenage daughters and two yellow labs. In her free time, you can find her at the gym, cooking, stacking firewood, making maple syrup, and tending to her overgrown perennial garden.