




Collard Greens
Inventory, 24 ct : 3.19
This item was last sold on : 09/22/23
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.
La Jolla Country Club | San Diego CA | 858-454-9601 |
UCSD Food & Nutrition Department La Jolla | San Diego CA | 858-761-1269 |
Campfire | Carlsbad CA | 760-637-5121 |
Blue Water Seafood Market and Grill | San Diego CA | 619-497-0914 |
Flying Pig Pub & Kitchen | Oceanside CA | 619-990-0158 |
Miho | San Diego CA | 619-365-5655 |
Ridgeview Health Center | San Diego CA | 858-293-3950 |
Relic Bageri LLC | San Diego CA | 619-335-6328 |
Artifact at Mingei | San Diego CA | 619-846-2164 |
San Diego Humane Society | San Diego CA | 619-299-7012 |
Mindful Culinary Creations | San Diego CA | 704-264-9021 |
Reata Glen | Ladera Ranch CA | 949-545-2250 |
UCSD Food & Nutrition Department Hillcrest | San Diego CA | 619-380-9840 |
JRDN Restaurant | San Diego CA | 858-270-5736 |
AToN Center Inc. | Encinitas CA | 858-759-5017 |
Bantams Roost Public House | Carlsbad CA | 858-245-7166 |
Louisiana Purchase | San Diego CA | 619-255-8278 |
Lodge at Torrey Pines Grill | San Diego CA | 858-453-4420 |
The Glen at Scripps Ranch | San Diego CA | 858-444-8500 |
Alila Marea Beach Resort (Banquets) | Encinitas CA | 805-539-9719 |
Cape Rey Carlsbad, a Hilton Resort | Carlsbad CA | 760-602-0800 |
Q&A Oyster Bar & Restaurant | Oceanside CA | 858-245-3780 |
Encontro North Park | San Diego CA | 310-955-6333 |
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Collard Greens. One

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.
![]() About 18 days ago, 9/06/23 Sharer's comments : Collard greens are always in supply at the Municipal Market in Atlanta Georgia .. ![]() About 19 days ago, 9/05/23 Sharer's comments : On the menu , Collard greens at Your Delkalb Farmers Market in Atlanta Georgia .. ![]() About 91 days ago, 6/24/23 Sharer's comments : Great Day Farms ![]() About 132 days ago, 5/14/23 Sharer's comments : Hukama Produce ![]() ![]()
Underwood Family Farms
Near Culver City, California, United StatesAbout 137 days ago, 5/09/23 ![]() About 160 days ago, 4/16/23 Sharer's comments : Morningstar Ranch ![]() About 175 days ago, 4/01/23 Sharer's comments : At Antonio Farm ![]() ![]()
Sunrise Organic Farm
Near Venice, California, United StatesAbout 181 days ago, 3/26/23 ![]() ![]()
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United States1929 Hancock St Suite 150 San Diego CA 92110 619-295-3172 https://specialtyproduce.com About 209 days ago, 2/26/23 Sharer's comments : Collard Greens from Tamai Family Farms ![]() ![]()
Jeannette's Organic Garden
Near San Diego, California, United StatesCity Heights, CA About 329 days ago, 10/29/22 Sharer's comments : Beautiful big collards!! ![]() ![]()
Hukama Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesRamona, CA About 370 days ago, 9/18/22 ![]() ![]()
Hukama Produce
Near Encinitas, California, United StatesRamona, CA About 405 days ago, 8/14/22 ![]() ![]()
Luchia's Produce - New Roots Community Farm
Near San Diego, California, United StatesSan Diego, CA About 420 days ago, 7/30/22 ![]() ![]()
Chino Farm
Near Fairbanks Ranch, California, United StatesRancho Santa Fe, CA About 440 days ago, 7/10/22 ![]() ![]()
Luchia's Produce - New Roots Community Farm
Near San Diego, California, United StatesSan Diego, CA About 483 days ago, 5/28/22 ![]() ![]()
Tamai Family Farms
Near Venice, California, United StatesAbout 504 days ago, 5/08/22 ![]() ![]()
Gilbert and Lee Farms
Near San Diego, California, United StatesFallbrook, CA About 546 days ago, 3/27/22 ![]() ![]()
Behneman Farm
Near Del Mar, California, United StatesValley Center, CA About 560 days ago, 3/12/22 ![]() ![]()
Behneman Farm
Near Del Mar, California, United StatesValley Center, CA About 609 days ago, 1/22/22 ![]() ![]()
Luchia's Produce - New Roots Community Farm
Near San Diego, California, United StatesSan Diego, CA About 651 days ago, 12/11/21 ![]() ![]()
Behneman Farm
Near Del Mar, California, United StatesValley Center, CA About 686 days ago, 11/06/21 ![]() ![]()
Hukama Produce
Near Encinitas, California, United StatesRamona, CA About 706 days ago, 10/17/21 ![]() ![]()
Lucia's Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesNew Roots Community Farm About 722 days ago, 10/02/21 Sharer's comments : Collard greens are beautiful and bountiful here!! |