Winter Greens
Jan 23rd, 2012 | By Ali Goodwin | Category: Food + Cooking, From the Magazine
Baby spinach leaves
Varieties
Winter greens, depending on your region, include beet tops, kale, chard, mustard, bok choy, spinach, and collards. When the weather turns cold, the glucose in the leaves can’t reach the roots thus causing the bitter greens of summer to become the sweet greens of winter.
Why you should try
In winter months we tend to crave carbohydrates. Our bodies naturally want to “layer up” to stay warm. This sometimes means we aren’t eating as well as we do in warmer months when summer gardens and farm stands offer more readily available sources of fresh greens. Winter greens are an exceptional source of vitamins and nutrients.
How to select & store
Choose greens that are firm to the touch. They should be bright and crisp, not wilted or browning (or worse, slimy or translucent.) Winter greens keep longest in a closed, plastic produce bag on the
bottom shelf of the fridge or in a humidity controlled drawer. Wash, dry in a clean dishtowel, and store.
Best methods to prepare
Steaming and braising are the two best methods for preparing greens such as spinach, chard, kale, collards, and beet greens. Kale can be enjoyed as “chips” by tossing the leaves in oil and baking until crisp. Any of these greens can be added to sauces, stews, or soups for added flavor.
Flavor boost
White wine, olive oil, and garlic are easy, inexpensive flavor boosters for most greens. Red wine vinegar is a savory addition to spinach, and a squeeze of fresh citrus is delicious on greens and adds an extra dash of vitamin C.
Winter greens can be as much of a treat as summer fruit, especially when purchased from local farmers. Winter farmer’s markets are a wonderful source for everything from kale to spinach to chard to beet greens. These delicious veggies pack a nutritional punch much needed in the colder months.
For an updated list of Winter Farmers markets visit these helpful web sites:
ME: http://www.getrealmaine.com/
NH: http://www.seacoasteatlocal.org/winterfarmersmarkets/
MA: http://www.mass.gov/agr/massgrown/farmers_markets.htm
VT: http://www.vermontagriculture.com/buylocal/buy/
Recipes from this story:
