If you're sick and tired of shoveling in the same old greens simply because your mom said they're good for you, I have a solution for you. Swiss chard might just be your new go-to green. What is Swiss chard? It might just be the best veggie I've ever added to my diet, and I highly recommend you do the same. I've compiled everything you need to know about this righteous plant and why you need to add it to your grocery list.

What Is Swiss Chard?

chard, kale, vegetable, cabbage, swiss chard, collards, salad, spinach
Talena Keltner

First and foremost, Swiss chard is not kale. Yes, it looks like kale, and yes, it's another leafy green, but it is a different plant altogether. Swiss chard has a milder taste than kale, which makes it ideal for those of us who want to be healthy but don't want to stuff our mouths with things that taste like rabbit food.

While the name might suggest otherwise, Swiss chard is not from Switzerland. The brightly colored stalks originated in the area around the Mediterranean Sea and has been eaten as far back as 2,500 years ago.

#SpoonTip: Swiss chard comes in lots of colors, so don't be afraid to buy whatever color is available to you. 

What Does Swiss Chard Taste Like?

Swiss chard has a beets-meet-spinach sort of flavor. The candy-colored stalks are like celery on steroids and the dense leaves provide a nice textural contrast. While many people assume that Swiss chard is poisonous, it actually isn't and you can eat it raw. 

Health Benefits of Swiss Chard

pasture, vegetable, rhubarb, chard, cabbage, swiss chard
Megan Mueller

If the aesthetic draw of this gorgeous vegetable isn't enough incentive for you to visit your local produce section ASAP, the nutritional draw should be. In a single cup of Swiss chard, there's 214% of your daily dose of Vitamin A, and there's only 35 calories per cup. It also scores big in essentials such as potassium, vitamin C, iron, and tons more. Nutrients found in Swiss chard are known to fight cancer, benefit nerve and muscle function, and help digestion

Swiss chard is preferable to similar veggies because it manages to pack one heck of a nutritious punch into a rather nonthreatening taste. If your skin crawls thinking about eating Brussels sprouts or kale, this mild green is a way to get all the same nutrients without the gag-inducing taste.

Ways to Eat Swiss Chard

kale, spinach, bacon, chard
Talena Keltner

Assuming your mouth isn't watering at the thought of eating raw chard leaves, there are countless ways you can integrate Swiss chard into your cooking. The new definition of comfort food should be a hot plate of orange braised chard. This recipe works as both a side dish or a meal. If you're feeling a little more carnivorous or simply don't think a plate of Swiss chard is technically a 'meal,' I'd recommend adding some chicken or bacon to the mix.

Another personal favorite Swiss chard recipe would have to be these Greek brown rice dolmades. Essentially, it's a burrito of deliciousness including olives, chickpeas, and rice all wrapped in a fresh Swiss chard leaf. These are ideal appetizers or party snacks if you want to host a classy event but don't want to spend all day in the kitchen.

Impress anyone and everyone with your mastery of this leafy green. Whether or not you decide to go all out with the dolmades or just decide to take a little olive oil and eat it raw, you won't regret choosing Swiss chard.