Perpetual Spinach Chard Groene Gewone 2

'Groene Gewone' is a variety of perpetual spinach chard or spinach beet, a delicious cut-and-come-again leaf vegetable. It tastes like spinach but has the advantage of being bolt-resistant, even during dry spells. The tender leaves have slimmer stems than chard. They are best harvested as baby greens. Perpetual spinach chard is vigorous, productive and tasty. Sow from March to July for harvests from July to November.

Chard (Beta vulgaris), also known as leaf beet or silver beet, is a leaf vegetable that has regained popularity over recent years. Its edible stems come in an array of colours, from white to red, purple or yellow. They are delicious in gratin, sautéed or lightly steamed. The leaves can be used like spinach in quiches, omelettes or soups. Chard is low in calories and high in fibre, vitamins and minerals. However, it also contains oxalates and should be eaten in moderation, especially by those suffering from arthritis or rheumatic disorders.

Harvesting: harvest the larger leaves as and when required

Storage: chard will stay fresh in the refrigerator for a few days

Good to know: Mulching with grass clippings or dead leaves is recommended, especially during hot dry spells, as this will help keep the soil moist whilst limiting weed growth.