CHARD: ‘Bright Lights’ may be the beauty-contest winner, with runner-up going to ‘Rhubarb’ or ‘Ruby Red,’ as it is variously called. But I’ll forego the flash and just sow ‘Argentata’ from here on out, I think. A prolific and durable grower, ‘Argentata’ gets to as much as 3 feet tall (2ish in less fertile conditions) and produces lots and lots of giant leaves with gleaming thick white midribs. Apparently this heirloom goes by another name in Italy, ‘Bionda á Costa,’ where it is also a favorite. Fedco has my favorite chard, and many others.
KALE: Kale is one of my dietary mainstays, an ingredient in many soups here and a frequent side dish (both things are true about the the chard as well). Last year, I grew four kinds, but I won’t again, especially not the frilly ‘Winterbor’ type or its lookalikes (above left), my un-favorite (though productive and cold-hardy). I simply don’t like its texture, so I am giving my kale real estate to the heirloom I still call ‘Ragged Jack’ (now listed as ‘Red Russian’ in catalogs, young foliage above right), with its purple-tinged oak-shaped leaves. I’m also partial to ‘Lacinato’ (also called ‘Nero di Toscana’ or ‘Dinosaur’ kale or just Tuscan kale, with its narrow, very dark foliage, below). Hudson Valley Seed Library has both my favorite kales, and more.MESCLUN AND BRAISING
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