Produce Briefs...
Calamondin Limes
The Calamondin lime, scientific name, X Citrofortunella mitis & Citrus microcarpa, is also known as the lime orange, Chinese orange or Calamondin orange.
Salanova® Lettuces
Salanova® lettuce is a full-sized variety developed for the baby lettuce market. Botanically these varieties are scientifically known as Lactuca sativa.
Pinkglow™ Pineapple
Pinkglow™ pineapples are small to medium fruits with an oval to cylindrical shape.
Description/Taste
Collard greens are a headless forming cabbage, similar to kale. Their leaves are broad, paddle-shaped and grey green to deep green in color with contrasting succulent white ribs and veins. Their flavor is assertive, almost alkaline and true to its family, cruciferous in nature. Collard greens should be chewy in texture, a sign of good water content and freshness. Late winter and early spring provide the sweetest and most tender Collard greens.
Seasons/Availability
Collard greens are available year-round with peak season in late winter.
Current Facts
Collard greens are members of the economically important Brassicaceae family, known for its cruciferous vegetables such as cabbage, broccoli and kale. Collard greens contain a chemical compound called phenylthiocarbamide, known more simply as PTC. This compound is responsible for the bitterness that people taste when they eat Collard greens. Specific human genes determine whether a person can taste this bitterness. Not all humans can taste the compound's bitter tendencies, though it is a dominant trait in about 70% of the human population. Those who do taste the bitterness either enjoy bitter foods or absolutely dislike it.
Nutritional Value
Collard greens are loaded with health benefiting vitamins and compounds. They contain anti-inflammatory properties in the form of Omega-3 fatty acids and Vitamin K. They also contain the antioxidants beta carotene, Vitamins C and E and detoxifying glucosinolates, compounds that are being studied for their abilities to prevent cancer as well as cardiovascular disease.
Applications
Collard greens are synonymous with slow cooking and simmering in a pot with ham hocks. The broth created after about 90 minutes of simmering is known as pot liquor and it is equal parts vitamin rich, smoky and delicious. This ages old application is a benchmark for cooking Collard greens but there are many other ways to enjoy the greens. A quick braise or blanch allows for full nutritional retention and maximum flavor. They can also be added to baked dishes as well. Though many may say the bitterness is off-putting when eaten raw, Collard greens can add flavor and texture to salad mixes. Complimentary ingredients include garlic, pork, chicken, grilled steak,, mushrooms, potatoes, apple cider vinegar, lemon, bay leaves, bacon fat, soy sauce, ginger, sesame oil, tomatoes and chiles.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Although most Americans associate Collard greens with Southern Soul Food Cooking and its historical and cultural slave trade roots, they are also historically linked to to Asian cooking as well as Greek and Roman cooking. Collard greens are most popular in the Kashmir state of India, where they are literally a household staple of the entire population and eaten for their leaves and roots.
Geography/History
Collard greens are an ancient green native to Asia Minor with cultivation dating back to circa 5000 BC. From Asia Minor via trade routes, Collard greens expanded to Africa and Europe and eventually the Americas. By 1600 Collard greens had become globally cultivated. Today their distribution is vast and wide, making them a highly valued yet low cost global culinary commodity. Collard greens can be found in almost any market throughout all hemispheres.
Featured Restaurants
Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.
| Craft and Commerce (Sekscobra Inc.) | San Diego CA | 619-962-5935 |
| Vista Valley | Vista CA | 760-758-2800 |
| UCSD Food & Nutrition Department Hillcrest | San Diego CA | 619-380-9840 |
| Open Gym-Craft Meals | San Diego CA | 619-865-3024 |
| Chateau Lake San Marcos | San Marcos CA | 760-670-5807 |
| Sabor Piri Piri | San Diego CA | 619-694-0704 |
| La Costa Glen North | Carlsbad CA | 760-704-1436 |
| Tartine | Coronado CA | 619-435-4323 |
| Blind Lady | San Diego CA | 619-381-4475 |
| Cross Roots | San Diego CA | 858-245-1678 |
| Iron Pig Alehouse | San Diego CA | 619-885-3718 |
| Chefs SD | San Diego CA | 619-709-6708 |
| Sugar Bear Enterprises | San Diego CA | 925-383-3623 |
| Louisiana Purchase | San Diego CA | 619-255-8278 |
| Artifact at Mingei | San Diego CA | 619-846-2164 |
| Flying Pig Pub & Kitchen | Oceanside CA | 619-990-0158 |
| UCSD Food & Nutrition Department La Jolla | San Diego CA | 808-868-8639 |
| La Costa Glen South | Carlsbad CA | 760-704-1000 |
| La Clochette Du Coin-Pacific Beach | San Diego CA | 619-402-7911 |
| Encontro North Park | San Diego CA | 310-955-6333 |
| AToN Center Inc. | Encinitas CA | 858-759-5017 |
| San Diego Humane Society | San Diego CA | 619-299-7012 |
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Collard Greens. One
is easiest, three is harder.Recently Shared
People have shared Collard Greens using the Specialty Produce app for iPhone and Android.
Produce Sharing allows you to share your produce discoveries with your neighbors and the world! Is your market carrying green dragon apples? Is a chef doing things with shaved fennel that are out of this world? Pinpoint your location annonymously through the Specialty Produce App and let others know about unique flavors that are around them.
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Mar Vista Farmers Market
Tamai Family Farms
Near Venice, California, United StatesAbout 10 days ago, 5/08/22 
Hillcrest Farmers Market
Gilbert and Lee Farms
Near San Diego, California, United StatesFallbrook, CA About 52 days ago, 3/27/22 
Del Mar Farmers Market
Behneman Farm
Near Del Mar, California, United StatesValley Center, CA About 67 days ago, 3/12/22 
Del Mar Farmers Market
Behneman Farm
Near Del Mar, California, United StatesValley Center, CA About 116 days ago, 1/22/22 
City Heights Farmers Market
Luchia's Produce - New Roots Community Farm
Near San Diego, California, United StatesSan Diego, CA About 158 days ago, 12/11/21 
Del Mar Farmers Market
Behneman Farm
Near Del Mar, California, United StatesValley Center, CA About 193 days ago, 11/06/21 
Leucadia Farmer's Market
Hukama Produce
Near Encinitas, California, United StatesRamona, CA About 213 days ago, 10/17/21 
City Heights Farmers Market
Lucia's Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesNew Roots Community Farm About 228 days ago, 10/02/21 Sharer's comments : Collard greens are beautiful and bountiful here!! 
University District Farmers Market
Cabrera Farm
Near Seattle, Washington, United States16470 SR 20 Mount Vernon WA About 466 days ago, 2/06/21 Sharer's comments : So many big beautiful greens - I'm in heaven! 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Tamai family farms
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 466 days ago, 2/06/21 
University District Farmers Market
Cabrera Farm
Near Seattle, Washington, United States16470 SR 20 Mount Vernon WA About 494 days ago, 1/09/21 Sharer's comments : Digging these greens thinly sliced in my Italian soup this winter! 
Virginia Park Farmer's Market
Fresno Evergreen
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 550 days ago, 11/14/20 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 726 days ago, 5/22/20 Sharer's comments : Gorgeous collard greens at specialty produce! |
