Swiss chard is a vibrant, versatile leafy green, valued for its tender leaves and edible stems. This nutritious vegetable is adaptable in the garden, making it a popular choice for home growers. It offers a mild flavor, adding to a variety of culinary dishes, from stir-fries to salads.
When to Harvest Swiss Chard
Swiss chard matures quickly. Baby leaves are ready three to four weeks after planting. For mature leaves, about six weeks is sufficient. Harvest can begin when plants reach 6 to 9 inches in height. Early morning harvesting is recommended; leaves tend to be sweeter and retain moisture better.
Harvesting regularly throughout the growing season encourages the plant to produce more leaves, allowing for a continuous supply from late spring through autumn. This “cut-and-come-again” nature means new leaves emerge as older ones are removed. Harvest every one to two weeks to maintain vigor and prevent leaves from becoming overly large or tough.
How to Harvest Swiss Chard
To harvest Swiss chard, use clean, sharp garden scissors, pruning shears, or a knife. Focus on the outer, larger leaves closer to the base, as Swiss chard grows from the plant’s center. Cut about 1 to 2 inches above the soil line or where the leaf stem meets the main stalk, ensuring the central growing point remains undisturbed. This promotes continuous new growth and allows for multiple harvests from a single plant.
Do not harvest more than one-third of the plant’s leaves at a time to ensure ongoing productivity. While cutting the entire plant just above the ground for a single, large harvest is possible, this may limit future yields. Removing damaged or discolored leaves during harvesting also helps maintain plant health and deters pests.
Preparing Swiss Chard for Culinary Use
After harvesting, preparing Swiss chard ensures it is clean and ready for cooking. Begin by thoroughly washing leaves and stems under cold running water to remove dirt or grit. For stubborn soil, submerging chard in a bowl of cold water and swishing it around is effective.
Once clean, pat chard dry with a clean kitchen towel or use a salad spinner to remove excess moisture. Swiss chard stems are edible, but denser and take longer to cook than leaves. Separate leaves from stems by slicing crosswise at the base or cutting along either side. Leaves can then be chopped into desired sizes, while stems can be sliced into smaller pieces, about 1/2-inch long, for even cooking.
Storing Freshly Cut Swiss Chard
Freshly harvested Swiss chard is best used as soon as possible for optimal flavor and texture. If immediate use is not possible, proper storage extends its freshness. Avoid washing chard before storing, as excess moisture can accelerate spoilage.
To store, loosely wrap chard in a damp cloth or paper towel, then place it in a perforated plastic bag or an unsealed plastic bag. Store the wrapped chard in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator. This method helps maintain appropriate humidity and can keep Swiss chard fresh for up to five to seven days. Keep chard away from fruits that release ethylene gas, such as apples, avocados, and melons, as this can cause premature wilting.