John M

Cooking Swiss chard does reduce oxalates, but the reduction is significant only if you use the right technique. Boiling is the most effective way to lower oxalate content, while steaming and sautéing offer only modest reductions. If you’ve been worried about the oxalates in Swiss chard and how they affect your kidneys or joints, you’re … Read more

You should take swiss chard off the stem when freezing because the stems take much longer to freeze and thaw than the tender leaves. If you leave the stems attached, you’ll end up with leaves that are already soft while the stems are still icy and crunchy. That mixed texture can be unpleasant in soups, … Read more

Yes, you can remove the red stalk from Swiss chard, and many cooks choose to do exactly that.   The red stalk on Swiss chard is completely edible, but its texture and flavor are quite different from the leafy green part.   When you decide to remove the red stalk from Swiss chard, you’re aiming … Read more

Do wild rabbits eat swiss chard, and is it safe to offer it in your garden?   Yes, wild rabbits do eat swiss chard if they come across it, and it’s a leafy green they generally find quite tasty.   When wild rabbits eat swiss chard, they’re drawn to its tender, moist leaves, which are … Read more

You do not have to blanch Swiss chard before freezing, though it’s a step that makes a big difference in quality.   If you’ve been wondering whether you have to blanch Swiss chard before freezing, the short answer is no, you can skip it and still freeze the leaves safely.   But here’s the thing: … Read more

Swiss chard seeds do not need light to germinate.   In fact, they’re perfectly happy sprouting in complete darkness, which is great news if you’re starting seeds indoors or sowing them directly in the garden soil.   The question many gardeners ask—do swiss chard seeds need light to germinate—has a simple answer, and we’ll break … Read more