Thread: Leaf Beet?
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Old 26-03-2012, 02:41 PM posted to uk.rec.gardening
David in Normandy[_8_] David in Normandy[_8_] is offline
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First recorded activity by GardenBanter: May 2009
Posts: 761
Default Leaf Beet?

On 26/03/2012 14:35, Moonraker wrote:
On 26/03/2012 12:20, David in Normandy wrote:
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.

Now you know why I subscribe to this news group, it is an attempt to
reduce my ignorance. I think it works, the only trouble being it shows
up more ignorance.


I'm still learning and will likely continue to do so until the day I
die. I don't care about showing my ignorance. As the old Chinese saying
goes: "It is better to ask a question and look ignorant for a day than
to not ask and remain ignorant for ever."

That philosophy has served me well over the years. Whatever the subject
there is always someone more knowledgeable than me and they are
generally happy to share that knowledge.

--
David in Normandy.
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