Spring showers not only bring flowers, but beautiful fresh produce from the garden.
March in National Nutrition Month. Celebrate with nutritious delicious GREENS.
Be sure to carefully wash greens before preparing to ensure a safe and delicious product. (Photo source: Tyler Jones, UF/IFAS)
The dark leafy vegetable we refer to as “greens” range from earthy to peppery in flavor. Collard greens, mustard greens, turnip greens, and kale are often grouped together because of their texture, pronounced flavor, and general uses. They actually come from several vegetable families. In general, these tart greens are cooked before eating. The season for some varieties peak November through March.
Choose leafy greens with fresh full leaves. Avoid greens that are brown, yellow spotted, wilted, or have slimy leaves. Wash greens before use. Cut stems from leafy greens before cooking. Sauté collard greens with garlic, onions, and tomatoes a little bit of olive oil. Simmer greens in low-sodium chicken broth until greens are wilted and tender. Store greens in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for two to five days.
NUTRITION TIPS: A 1/4 cup of cooked greens is about the size of one cupped handful.
Beans and Greens
1 can white kidney beans or cannellini beans rinsed and drained
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 cup diced onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 pounds fresh kale, stemmed and chopped into large pieces
Salt and pepper to taste
Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil. Add greens to the skillet. Sprinkle with 2 tablespoon of water. Cook, tossing often, until greens are bright green and slightly wilted. Remove from heat. Drain and heat beans and add to green mixture. Toss mixture, season and serve. Serves four; 1 cup serving
Savory Greens
3 cups water
1/4 pound skinless turkey breast
1/2 cup chopped onions
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1 green ground ginger
2 pounds mixed greens (collards, turnips, mustard, and kale)
Place all ingredients except greens into large pot and bring to a boil. Wash greens and remove stems. Chop greens into small pieces and add to stock. Cook 20 to 30 minutes until tender. Serves six; 1 cup serving
NUTRITION INFORMATION: Cooked greens are excellent sources of Vitamins A, C, K, and Calcium.
AVAILABLE FRESH: March – June & October – December
To learn about fresh Florida greens, please read our fact sheet: Panhandle Produce Pointers – Greens.
For more delicious produce preparation tips, please visit: http://www.panhandleproducepointers.com.
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