
Greens
Greens, a diverse category of leafy vegetables, are a nutritional powerhouse essential for healthy cooking. These edible leaves boast a range of flavors, from the mildly sweet spinach and chard to the peppery arugula and bitter mustard greens. Their textures vary as well, offering tender and delicate options like butter lettuce and sturdy, robust choices such as kale. Available in a spectrum of green hues, from pale lime to deep emerald, greens add vibrant color and vital nutrients to any dish. Discover the best ways to cook greens, how to store fresh greens, and find delicious green recipes to elevate your culinary repertoire.
Common Uses
- Sautéed as a Simple Side Dish: Sauté greens like spinach, kale, or collard greens with garlic, olive oil, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a quick and healthy side dish. This method helps soften the leaves while retaining their nutrients and vibrant flavor, offering a versatile accompaniment to various main courses.
- Added to Soups and Stews for Enhanced Nutrition: Incorporate chopped greens such as kale, chard, or spinach into soups and stews during the last few minutes of cooking. This adds a boost of vitamins, minerals, and fiber, creating a more substantial and nourishing meal. The greens wilt slightly, blending seamlessly with the other ingredients.
- Used as a Base for Salads, Providing Texture and Flavor: Utilize various greens like romaine lettuce, mixed baby greens, or arugula as the foundation for refreshing and flavorful salads. Mix them with your favorite vegetables, proteins, and dressings to create a balanced and satisfying meal. The different textures and flavors of the greens enhance the overall salad experience.
- Blended into Green Smoothies for a Nutrient-Rich Start to the Day: Combine greens such as spinach, kale, or romaine lettuce with fruits, yogurt, and liquids like water or almond milk to create nutritious and energizing green smoothies. This is an excellent way to consume a large quantity of greens in a convenient and palatable form, promoting overall health and well-being.
- Stuffed into Savory Dishes like Ravioli or Enchiladas: Incorporate finely chopped and cooked greens, such as spinach or kale, into savory fillings for dishes like ravioli, enchiladas, or even omelets. The greens add a subtle earthy flavor and nutritional value to the fillings, enhancing the overall taste and texture of the dish.
- Braised for a Tender and Flavorful Dish: Braising tougher greens, like collard greens or mustard greens, slowly in broth with aromatics such as garlic, onions, and bacon creates a tender and flavorful dish. The long cooking time breaks down the fibers in the greens, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich, savory flavor.
Nutrition (per serving)
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories
20.0kcal (1%)
Protein
2.0g (4%)
Carbs
4.0g (1.45%)
Sugars
1.0g (2%)
Healthy Fat
0.2g
Unhealthy Fat
0.1g
% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories
20.0kcal (1%)
Protein
2.0g (4%)
Carbs
4.0g (1.45%)
Sugars
1.0g (2%)
Healthy Fat
0.2g
Unhealthy Fat
0.1g
% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet
Health Benefits
- Rich in vitamins and minerals, supporting overall health and well-being.
- Excellent source of dietary fiber, promoting healthy digestion and gut health.
- High in antioxidants, helping to protect against cellular damage and chronic diseases.
- Low in calories and carbohydrates, making them a great choice for weight management.
- Packed with phytonutrients, compounds that may help reduce inflammation.
- Good source of folate, essential for cell growth and development.
Substitutes
Storage Tips
Greens are best stored in the refrigerator to maintain their freshness and prevent wilting. Before storing, gently rinse the greens and remove any damaged or yellowing leaves. Wrap the greens loosely in a paper towel or clean cloth to absorb excess moisture, and then place them in a plastic bag or container. This method helps to prevent them from becoming soggy and prolongs their shelf life. Most greens will stay fresh for up to a week when stored properly.
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