Spinacia oleracea
SILVERBEET-CHARD-BARESE is often called spinach but it’s not. It is a close relative of beetroot, but it’s grown for its leaves & stems. The first varieties have been traced back to Sicily, rather than Switzerland! Its leaves & stalk are both edible. A great source of vitamin K, A & C, potassium, magnesium, iron & fiber. High in antioxidants & low in calories. A single serving is merely 35 calories, yet contains more than 300% of your daily Vit K needs. It is also rich in a multitude of B-complex vitamins. Juice it, chop it up & include it in your favorite stuffing mix or pasta sauces. The general rule with Chard is to cook the leaves like you would spinach & the stalks like asparagus.
Dampen seed and leave on moist tissue paper for 1-2 hours prior to sowing. Can be raised in trays of Seed Raising Mix. For sowing direct, cover with mix & keep moist. Spring & early Autumn.