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Produce Briefs...
Ramps
The wild ramp, AKA wild leek, botanical name Allium tricoccum, is a flowering perennial plant that grows in clusters. It is a member of the Allium family along with onions and leeks
Calamondin Limes
The Calamondin lime is a cross between a sour, loose skinned mandarin and a kumquat, therefore technically making it an orangequat.
Salanova® Lettuces
Salanova® lettuce is a full-sized variety developed for the baby lettuce market. Botanically these varieties are scientifically known as Lactuca sativa.
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.
| Lucky Bolt | San Diego CA | 917-969-9500 |
| Bishop School | San Diego CA | 858-459-4021 x212 |
| Miss B's Coconut Club | San Diego CA | 858-381-0855 |
| San Diego Humane Society | San Diego CA | 619-299-7012 |
| The Lion Share | San Diego CA | 619-564-6924 |
| West Coast Tavern | San Diego CA | 619-295-1688 |
| Eve-Creations Wellness | Encinitas CA | 760-230-2560 |
| San Diego Freedom Ranch | Campo CA | 619-478-5696 |
| Circa Restaurant | San Diego CA | 619-269-9152 |
| Encontro North Park | San Diego CA | 619-291-1220 |
| Toronado San Diego | San Diego CA | 619-282-0456 |
| Iron Pig Alehouse | San Diego CA | 619-885-3718 |
| Peace Pies | San Diego CA | 619-618-6960 |
| UCSD Food & Nutrition Department La Jolla | San Diego CA | 858-657-6473 |
| SouthxSoCal | Chula Vista CA | 619-846-2640 |
| Luce | San Diego CA | 619-275-2094 |
| Georges at the Cove | San Diego CA | 858-454-4244 |
| Kettner Exchange | San Diego CA | 312-415-5455 |
| Boathouse Harbor Island | San Diego CA | 619-291-8011 |
| Cardiff Seaside Market | Cardiff CA | 760-753-5445 |
| Flying Pig Pub & Kitchen | Oceanside CA | 619-990-0158 |
| Saffron Thai LLC | San Diego CA | 619-574-7737 |
| St. Paul's Plaza | Chula Vista CA | 619-239-6900 |
| Royale | San Diego CA | 512-230-9524 |
| insideOUT | San Diego CA | 619-793-9221 |
| WN Specialty Produce | ||
| Gamma Phi Beta | San Diego CA | 310-634-2371 |
| InterContinental San Diego | San Diego CA | 619-501-9400 |
| Chateau Lake San Marcos | San Marcos CA | 760-471-0083 |
| Flying Pig Pub & Kitchen 2 | Vista CA | 760-630-4311 |
| Bahia Resort Hotel | San Diego CA | 858-488-0551 |
| San Diego Humane Society Oceanside Campus | Oceanside CA | 760-757-4357 |
| Pete's Premade Paleo | San Diego CA | 770-359-8274 |
| Hamiltons Tavern | San Diego CA | 619-610-9038 |
| The Honeybee Baking | San Diego CA | 619-727-7637 |
| Saint Mark Golf and Resort, LLC | San Marcos CA | 858-273-8440 |
| UCSD Food & Nutrition Department Hillcrest | San Diego CA | 619-543-2764 |
| Parakeet café | La Jolla CA | 619-578-1040 |
| The Wooden Spoon | Escondido CA | 760-445-2816 |
| Peace Pies (Encinitas) | Encinitas CA | 619-618-6960 |
| AToN Center Inc. | Encinitas CA | 858-759-5017 |
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Collard Greens. One
is easiest, three is harder.Recently Spotted
People have spotted Collard Greens using the Specialty Produce app for iPhone and Android.
Produce Spotting 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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Hy-Vee
Near Cedar Falls, Iowa, United States About 47 days ago, 12/05/18 Kroger Steubenville OH Near Wellsburg, West Virginia, United States About 302 days ago, 3/25/18 
Whole Foods Market
Whole Foods Market - Interbay
Near Seattle, Washington, United States2001 15th Avenue W, Seattle 98119 206-352-5440 About 309 days ago, 3/18/18 Spotter's comments : Collard Greens spotted at Whole Foods Market. Sautee up some of these delicious Local Washington Organic Collard Greens with bacon, vinegar and a few select spices and pair with your favorite southern soul foods :) Kroger Ohio, United States About 312 days ago, 3/15/18 Holland Produce clarkesville ga Near Clarkesville, Georgia, United States About 314 days ago, 3/13/18 
Brentwood Farmers Market
Near Sawtelle, California, United StatesAbout 330 days ago, 2/25/18 Spotter's comments : Collard Greens spotted at Brentwood Farmers Market. Real Food Market & Deli Near Helena, Montana, United States About 342 days ago, 2/13/18 |
