Top Fall Vegetables to Keep in Your Kitchen (Page 4)

3. Chard

Earthy and sweet, chard has more substance than spinach. It’s easy to find and its colorful incarnations can be used interchangeably (though green chard tends to be mildest).

Health Benefits: Chard abounds in phytochemicals that have been shown to help prevent various types of cancers, maintain healthy eyes and may even protect the heart. As for essential nutrients, a 1/2-cup serving of cooked chard provides over 300 percent of the daily value (DV) of vitamin K and 100 percent DV of vitamin A. It is also a good source of vitamin C, magnesium and potassium.

Shopping Tip: Rainbow chard, white or green chard and ruby or red chard are the most common varieties available. Look for fresh, crisp, brightly colored greens; avoid those that are wilted or blemished.

Storage Tip: Wrap the stem ends in damp paper towels and refrigerate in a plastic bag for up to a week, depending on the freshness of the chard when it was purchased.

Next: 4. Mushrooms »