Chard (Beta vulgaris var. cicla), also known as Swiss Chard, Silverbeet, Perpetual Spinach or Mangold, is a leaf vegetable, and is one of the cultivated descendants of the Sea Beet, Beta vulgaris subsp. maritima. It is in the plant family Amaranthaceae.

While used for its leaves, it is in the same species as the garden beet, which is grown primarily for its roots.

There are many cultivars of chard available for growing, but the most common is 'Swiss Chard'. Other varieties are 'Ruby Chard', 'Rainbow Chard', and 'Rhubarb Chard'.

Chard has shiny green ribbed leaves, with stems that range from white to yellow and red depending on the cultivar. It has a slightly bitter taste. The leaves are generally treated in the same way as spinach and the stems like asparagus. Fresh young chard can also be used raw in salads.

See also

External link

• http://www.gardenersnet.com/vegetable/chard.htm

Leaf vegetables | Amaranthaceae

Mangold | Beta vulgaris var. cicla | Poirée | Snijbiet | フダンソウ | Chard