Reasons You’ll LOVE Collard Greens

You’ll become a convert in not time!

• • Nutrient-rich – Collard greens are packed with vitamins A, C, and K, as well as folate, calcium, and fiber, offering a range of health benefits.
  • Versatile – Collard greens can be prepared in various ways, including boiling, steaming, sautéing, or stir-frying, allowing you to explore different cooking methods and flavors.
  • Delicious taste – While collard greens have a slightly bitter taste when raw, cooking them helps to soften the leaves and reduce the bitterness, resulting in a savory and flavorful vegetable.
  • Texture – Collard greens have a robust texture that holds up well when cooked, providing a satisfying bite and mouthfeel in your dishes.
  • Culinary diversity – Collard greens are used in cuisines around the world, offering an opportunity to explore and experiment with different cultural recipes and flavors.
  • Southern comfort food – In Southern American cuisine, collard greens are a staple and are often slow-cooked with flavorful additions like bacon or ham hock, providing a comforting and soulful dish.
  • Low in calories – Collard greens are a great choice for those looking to maintain a healthy diet as they are low in calories but still highly nutritious, making them a good option for weight management.
  • Supportive of a balanced diet –  Including collard greens in your meals helps diversify your vegetable intake, providing a range of essential nutrients to support overall health and well-being.

Collard Greens Quick Growing Tips

How to Grow Collard Greens 

Collard greens are quite easy to grow! 

• • Choose a suitable location – Collard greens thrive in full sun, but they can also tolerate partial shade. Select a spot in your garden that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day.
  • Prepare the soil – Collard greens prefer well-draining soil rich in organic matter. Amend the soil by adding compost or well-rotted manure to improve its fertility and drainage. Remove any weeds or debris from the area.
  • Planting – Collard greens can be grown from seeds or seedlings. If starting from seeds, sow them directly into the garden soil, planting them about 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep and 18 to 24 inches apart. Alternatively, you can start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost and transplant the seedlings once they are around 4-6 inches tall. If using seedlings, transplant them into the garden at the same spacing.
  • Watering – Keep the soil consistently moist during the growing season. Water deeply and regularly, ensuring the plants receive about 1 inch of water per week. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to diseases.
  • Fertilizing – Collard greens benefit from regular feeding. Apply a balanced fertilizer or organic compost around the base of the plants every 4-6 weeks to provide the necessary nutrients.
  • Mulching – Apply a layer of organic mulch, such as straw or wood chips, around the plants to help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and maintain an even soil temperature.
  • Maintenance – Remove any weeds that compete with the collard greens for nutrients and water. Monitor the plants for pests such as aphids or cabbage loopers and take appropriate measures to control them.
  • Harvesting – Collard greens can be harvested when the leaves are large and mature, usually about

Collard Greens Pests and Bugs 

While collard greens are generally considered to be relatively pest-resistant, they can still be susceptible to certain pests and bugs in the garden. Here are some common pests that may affect collard greens and some measures to prevent or manage them.

How to Prepare Collard Greens

Preparing collard greens involves a few simple steps to ensure they are clean, tender, and ready for cooking. Here’s a guide on how to prepare collard greens.

• • Selecting Collard Greens – Choose fresh collard greens with vibrant green leaves that are crisp and free from yellowing or wilting. Look for smaller to medium-sized leaves, as they tend to be more tender and flavorful.
  • Washing Collard Greens – Start by washing the collard greens thoroughly to remove any dirt, debris, or potential pests. Fill a large basin or sink with cold water. Submerge the collard greens in the water and swish them around to loosen any dirt or grit. Rinse them under running water to ensure they are clean. Alternatively, you can rinse each leaf individually under running water.
  • Removing the Stems – Collard greens have tough stems that need to be removed before cooking. To remove the stems, hold the leaf with one hand and firmly grip the base of the stem with the other. Gently pull the leaf away from the stem, starting at the base and working your way up toward the tip. Discard the stems or save them for composting if desired.
  • Preparing the Leaves – Once the stems are removed, stack a few collard green leaves on top of each other. Roll them tightly into a cigar-like shape. Using a sharp knife, slice across the rolled leaves to create thin strips, also known as a chiffonade. Repeat this process with the remaining leaves.

Serving Suggestions for Collard Greens

Simple to prepare and wonderfully delicious!

• • Sautéed Collard Greens with Garlic and Lemon – Simple and delicious. Sometimes this is all I’ll have for lunch! 
  • Collard greens and white bean soup – This recipe comes from y grandmother who was an avid gardener who loved all greens!
  • Collard Greens Wraps – I LOVE collard green wraps for their taste and health benefits!
  • On a salad – I often rough chop my collar greens and add them to a simple garden salad. They pair well with cornbread, rice, or mashed potatoes