Collard greens often get less spotlight compared to kale or spinach, yet they pack a punch in flavor.
Think of them as the vegetable that brings a mix of bitter and earthy, with a hint of smokiness if cooked right.
Some folks compare it to a heartier, more robust version of kale.
Rich in nutrients and versatile in the kitchen, collard greens can elevate a simple meal to something memorable.
Whether you sauté, boil, or bake them, these greens never fail to add depth to your dishes.
What are Collard Greens?
Collard greens belong to the Brassica oleracea family, like many common veggies such as broccoli, mustards, and cabbage.
They’re most popularly used in Southern US cuisines but are found in recipes worldwide.
Collards are marked by their dark-green, large leaves that are usually cooked and eaten as vegetables.
Though they’re widely used in several parts of the world, collards are mainly eaten as veggies in South Africa, northern Spain, Uganda, Kashmir, American South, Brazil, Kenya, Balkans, Tanzania, Portugal, and Zimbabwe.
The primary varieties of collard greens are Ole Timey Blue, Champion, Vates, Morris Heading, and Georgia Southern.
If you’ve never seen collards before, they look more or less the same as spinach or swiss chard.
With large green leaves and tough stems, collards are easily one of the healthiest greens out there.
They’re rich in calcium, fiber, iron, and vitamins.
What Do Collard Greens Taste Like?
Flavor-wise, collard greens can be compared to kale.
However, they’re less bitter and milder on the taste buds.
The greens also have a strong acidic smell but are not overpowering.
The bitterness is more noticeable with raw collard greens.
If you’re not a fan of bitter greens, you can heat or sauté the leaves to bring down their bitterness while bringing out a mild earthy flavor.
Collard greens are available year-round.
However, the ones that are available in winter taste the best and freshest.
You can also find some juicy and high-quality collards during the spring season.
These greens are also known as colewart.
And in the UK, they’re often called spring greens, signifying the season it favors.
Like many other leafy greens, collard greens are very nutritious.
They are packed with vitamins K, C, B6, B2, and A.
Hence, they’re known to boost your blood and bone health.
In a single cup of raw collards, you’ll get to enjoy 1.4 grams of fiber and 2grams of carbs.
Besides, collards are low in fat and calories, thereby making them ideal for weight loss.
According to Healthline, these leafy greens are considered one of the healthiest green vegetables as they contain more calcium and iron than their counterparts.
How to Cook Collard Greens?
There are endless ways to cook and serve collard greens.
Thanks to their mild flavor, they go well with a lot of dishes such as salads, burgers, meat, and more.
Besides, you can enjoy these healthy greens in both raw and cooked forms.
When it comes to raw collards, they’re best eaten on wraps, sandwiches, or as an addition to salads.
They are crunchy and hence add a nice texture to your meals.
On the other hand, cooked collard greens are equally healthy and delicious.
Many people like cooking their collards instead of eating raw as the bitterness tends to fade away due to the heat.
The best way to cook collard greens is to steam, sauté, or simmer them.
You can also add a variety of herbs and seasoning to add more to its flavor.
Adding salt is also a great way of reducing its bitterness.
One of the best ingredients to pair with collards is garlic.
Just sauté some collards with garlic and olive oil, and voila.
Your perfect brunch meal is set.
You can also sprinkle some salt and pepper to spice things up.
The key to clean cooking lies in the preparation phase.
And when it comes to collards, preparation is super important unless you want to eat all those dirt and grime of its leaf veins.
For washing your collards, simply cut the roots off and submerge the greens in a big bowl of clean water.
Swirl the leaves several times and drain with a colander.
Repeat this process until the leaves are all clean.
Then, proceed with the cooking process.
Final Thought
The easiest way to take in your daily nutritional requirement is by adding greens to your diet.
And collard greens are a go-to option for this.
Apart from helping you lose weight, collards also help improve your heart condition and maintain optimal blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
They make the perfect addition to any non-veg or veg diet.
And for vegans, we don’t think you can find a healthier option than these leafy collard greens.
What Do Collard Greens Taste Like?
Ingredients
- Collard greens
- Ingredients from your favorite recipes
Instructions
- Depending on the ingredients used, the cooking method, and the type of dish, the taste of the food can vary greatly.
- Make sure to select a recipe that will elevate the food’s original flavor, and enjoy experimenting with different recipes!
Andrew Gray is a seasoned food writer and blogger with a wealth of experience in the restaurant and catering industries. With a passion for all things delicious, Andrew has honed his culinary expertise through his work as a personal chef and caterer.
His love for food led him to venture into food writing, where he has contributed to various online publications, sharing his knowledge and insights on the culinary world. As the proud owner of AmericasRestaurant.com, Andrew covers a wide range of topics, including recipes, restaurant reviews, product recommendations, and culinary tips.
Through his website, he aims to inspire and educate fellow food enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive resource for all things food-related.
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