Collard Greens

SELECTION

Choose collards that are about 8-12 inches long and dark green with no yellowing.

​STORAGE

Collards store better than other greens.  Loosely wrap in moist paper towels or place in a plastic bag and store in the refrigerator for about 5 days.

PREPARATION

Be sure to wash collards (and all greens) well as dirt likes to cling to the leaves.  The center stems are tough so need to be removed.  You can cut them out, but the easiest way is to fold the leaf in half along the stem and starting at the cut end pull with your hand to remove the leaf from the stem.

​EDIBLE PARTS

The leaf is the edible part.  The tough center stems are inedible and need to be removed.

​HOW TO TRY

Collards can be thinly sliced and added raw to salads but are more often cooked.

Try long braising in chicken or beef broth to break down the leaves for a great side dish.  You can add some garlic and red pepper flakes for added flavor.

The leaves can be stuffed, like cabbage rolls, and baked with a tomato sauce.

Collards can also be quickly cooked like stir frying.  Use in place of bok choy or green cabbage.

Add to pasta dishes cooked down with tomatoes.

Add to vegetable, pasta or bean based soups.

Cook down until tender and add to dips in place of spinach (frozen collards are good for this).

​VARIETIES​