On 25/03/2012 19:11, Moonraker wrote:
Last year I grew the above,had a very good crop. After the Summer I left
it in the ground, this AM preparing for other planting I dug up the old
plants. Very extensive root system similar to parsnip, however I wander.
While removing them I noticed among the tired old leaves fresh growth.
Would these be good too eat, or would they be rather bitter?

Is leaf beet the same thing as Swiss Chard? If so you can eat the fresh
young leaves produced by the old plants. The older leaves may be too
leathery and strong flavoured.

If it is the variety with the wide creamy coloured stems you can eat the
leaf stems as a dish separate to the green leaves. In fact it is often
grown for the leaf stems rather than the green spinach-like leaves.

Try chopping the leaf stems into pieces around 1cm and sautéing them in
a little butter. They have a nice nutty taste and work well as a side
vegetable. Best when the leaves are not too old though.

--
David in Normandy.
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