A Common Vegetable with Eight Times More Calcium than Fish
We’re talking about collard greens, a popular and nutritious member of the brassica family. This versatile vegetable can be turned into a myriad of delicious dishes.
Collard greens are adaptable to various climatic conditions and boast a rapid growth rate, allowing for extended harvest periods. The collard plant can grow quite tall, with elongated stems and broad leaves.
Characterized by a mild peppery and bitter taste, collard greens have juicy and crisp stems. Research reveals that this vegetable is an excellent source of vitamins A, B, and C, fiber, and calcium, among other nutrients. These play a crucial role in boosting immunity and promoting digestive health, while also tantalizing your taste buds.
Notably, collard greens are exceptionally rich in calcium. Per 100 grams of collard greens, you get approximately 115 mg of calcium, which is about eight times more than the amount found in fish (which provides around 15 mg per equivalent serving).
With collard greens as your primary ingredient, you can create an array of mouthwatering dishes, including pickled greens, boiled, stir-fried, or soup preparations.
Delicious Dishes Featuring Collard Greens
- Pickled Collard Greens
Pickled collard greens are a beloved and straightforward preparation. For this, select collard plants that are moderately mature—neither too old nor too young. Older plants tend to be fibrous and tough, while younger ones don’t pickle well and turn slimy quickly.
In addition to the collard greens, you’ll need green onions, salt, sugar, vinegar, and filtered water. Sun-dry the collard greens to reduce their moisture content and enhance crispness during pickling.
Wash and cut the collard greens and green onions into bite-sized pieces. Boil filtered water with salt and a touch of sugar (to expedite the pickling process) and let it cool. Pack the vegetables into a clean glass or ceramic jar and pour the cooled brine over them. Use a small plate, bamboo mat, or weight to keep the vegetables submerged.
Within two days, depending on the ambient temperature, the pickles should be ready, exhibiting a gorgeous golden hue and a satisfying crunch. The distinctive tang and fragrance of pickled collard greens make them a delightful addition to stir-fries and soups.
- Collard Greens Stir-fried with Pork
Collard greens pair beautifully with pork (or any other meat of your choice). Wash and cut the collard greens into bite-sized pieces. Slice the pork thinly, preferably using a cut with a mix of fat and lean meat to keep the dish moist and flavorful.
Don’t forget to mince some garlic! Sauté the garlic, followed by the pork, in a wok or a large pan. Toss in the collard greens, season to taste, and stir-fry until the meat and vegetables are just cooked through.
- Collard Greens and Chicken Soup
For a comforting soup, start by rinsing and cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Briefly blanch the chicken in boiling water to eliminate any unpleasant odors. Similarly, blanch the collard greens (stems and leaves separated) quickly to retain their vibrant green color and crunch.
Serve this nourishing soup hot, and enjoy the comforting flavors.
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