Collard Green

• Slow-cooked Southern Style Collard Greens: Simmer collard greens low and slow with smoked meats like ham hocks or bacon, onions, and seasonings for a traditional Southern dish. This method tenderizes the leaves and infuses them with rich, smoky flavor, making it a soul-satisfying side dish.
• Collard Green Wraps (Low-Carb Alternative): Use large, raw collard green leaves as a healthy and low-carb alternative to tortillas or sandwich bread. Fill them with your favorite fillings, such as hummus, vegetables, grilled chicken, or tuna salad, for a nutritious and refreshing meal.
• Sautéed Collard Greens with Garlic and Olive Oil: Quickly sauté chopped collard greens with garlic, olive oil, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a simple and flavorful side dish. The sautéing process softens the leaves while retaining their vibrant green color and slightly bitter taste.
• Collard Green Chips (Baked or Dehydrated): Transform collard greens into crispy and healthy chips by baking or dehydrating them. Toss the leaves with olive oil, salt, and your favorite spices, then bake until crispy or dehydrate for a crunchy snack.
• Added to Soups and Stews: Chop collard greens and add them to soups, stews, and chili for added nutrients, flavor, and texture. Collard greens hold their shape well during cooking and contribute a slightly bitter note that complements other ingredients.
• Juiced or Blended in Smoothies: Incorporate raw collard greens into your green juices and smoothies for a boost of vitamins and minerals. The bitter flavor can be masked by adding fruits like apples, bananas, or berries.

• Rich in vitamins K, A, and C, contributing to bone health, vision, and immune function.
• High in fiber, promoting digestive health and aiding in weight management.
• Contains antioxidants that help protect against cellular damage and chronic diseases.
• Excellent source of calcium, crucial for maintaining strong bones and teeth.
• May help lower cholesterol levels, supporting heart health.
• Provides glucosinolates, which can be converted into compounds with potential anti-cancer properties.

To store collard greens, first wash and thoroughly dry them. Wrap the dry greens loosely in paper towels and place them in a plastic bag or container. Store them in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator. They will generally last for about 3-5 days. Avoid storing them near fruits like apples or bananas, as ethylene gas emitted by these fruits can cause the greens to spoil faster. You can also freeze collard greens after blanching them for a few minutes to preserve their color and nutrients; they can last up to 8-12 months in the freezer.