Think collard greens are only for Southern cuisine? Youre in for a delicious surprise.
This leafy green is low in calories and packed with nutrients, making it a perfect addition to any meal.
Theres something about collard greens that screams soul food.
Maybe its their hearty texture or their rich, savory flavor.
Whatever the reason, these greens are a staple of Southern cooking.
And while they may take a little bit of time to prepare, theyre definitely worth the effort.
Theres nothing like biting into a crispy, fresh collard green.
But what do you do when, for whatever reason, you cant find any at the grocery store? Dont worry there are plenty of delicious alternatives that will leave you just as satisfied.
Here are five of our favorites.
Contents
- What are Collard Greens?
- The 5 Best Substitutes for Collard Greens
- Conclusion
- FAQs
- What can replace collard greens?
- What are collard greens compared to?
- Can I substitute cabbage for collard greens?
- Which is healthier collard greens or turnip greens?
- What vegetables are considered collard greens?
- What’s so special about collard greens?
- Which is healthier collard or kale?
- Which is healthier spinach or collard greens?
- Which is better collards or kale?
- What can you put in collards to make them not bitter?
What are Collard Greens?
Collard greens are a type of leafy green vegetable that is closely related to cabbage and kale.
They are part of the Brassica family, including broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts.
Collard greens have a long history and were first cultivated in the Mediterranean region more than 2,000 years ago.
They are a staple in many Southern dishes, such as Hoppin John and collard greens with ham hocks.
Unlike many other greens, collard greens get sweeter after cooking.
This makes them a versatile ingredient that can be added to various recipes.
Whether youre looking for something to add to your next soup pot or want to try a new side dish, collard greens are a great option.
They are an excellent source of vitamins A and C, and they also contain a good amount of fiber.
Collard greens are available fresh, frozen, or canned.
They can be stored in the fridge for up to a week or in the freezer for six months.
The 5 Best Substitutes for Collard Greens
For those times when you cant find collard greens, or if youre looking for something different, here are five of the best substitutes:
1. Kale
Kale is a dark, leafy green vegetable related to collard greens and cabbage.
It is a member of the mustard family, and its scientific name is Brassica oleracea.
Kale can be eaten raw or cooked, and it is a good source of vitamins A, C, and K.
It also contains fiber, iron, and calcium.
Kale is usually available year-round, but it is in season in the fall and winter.
When cooking with kale, it is important to remember that it has a slightly bitter flavor.
As a result, it is often best to pair kale with other strong flavors, such as garlic or lemon.
When buying kale, look for crisp, dark green leaves.
Avoid kale that has yellow or brown spots, or that looks wiltedstore kale in the refrigerator, wrapped in a damp paper towel, for up to five days.
Wash it in cold water and remove the tough stems to prepare kale.
Substituting kale for collard greens is an easy way to add more nutrients to your diet.
2. Spinach
Spinach is often lauded as a nutritional powerhouse when it comes to leafy green vegetables.
Its rich in vitamins and minerals, and its a good source of fiber.
However, spinach is not the only leafy green that deserves attention.
Spinach can be enjoyed cooked or raw, and it is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes.
When shopping for spinach, look for crisp and dark green leaves.
Avoid wilted or yellowed leaves, which may indicate that the spinach is past its prime.
To prepare the spinach, wash the leaves thoroughly and cook them to your liking.
Spinach can be sauteed, steamed, or even eaten raw in salads.
However, you choose to enjoy it, adding spinach to your diet is a great way to boost your nutrient intake.
3. Turnip Greens
Turnip greens are a type of leafy green vegetable that is often overlooked.
Unlike other greens, such as spinach or kale, turnip greens have a slightly bitter flavor that some people find off-putting.
However, turnip greens are packed with nutrients and offer various health benefits.
They are an excellent source of vitamins A, C, and K and calcium and iron.
They also contain glucosinolates, which are compounds that have been shown to protect against cancer.
While both turnip greens and collard greens can be eaten cooked or raw, turnip greens are usually more tender and easier to chew.
Whether youre looking for a healthy side dish or a tasty addition to your sandwich, turnip greens are a great option.
And, as with any leafy green vegetable, be sure to wash them well before eating.
4. Mustard Greens
If youre a fan of leafy greens, youve probably had your share of kale and spinach.
Have you ever had mustard greens? These slightly spicy greens are a great way to add variety to your diet.
These greens are a good source of vitamins A, C, and K and calcium and iron.
They are also low in calories and fat, making them a great choice for those watching their weight.
Compared to other greens, such as collard greens, mustard greens have a slightly higher vitamin C content.
Mustard greens also have a bitter flavor that some people compare to turnip greens or collard greens.
When choosing mustard greens, look for deep green leaves in color and free from brown spots or yellowing.
Avoid any greens that look wilted or chewed on by insects.
When you get your mustard greens home, store them in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator wrapped in a damp paper towel.
This will help them stay fresh for up to five days.
Rinse the leaves thoroughly under cold water when youre ready to cook them.
You can then cook them in a variety of ways.
Mustard greens can be steamed, sauted, or stir-fried.
They can also be eaten raw in salads or used as a wrap.
5. Swiss Chard
Swiss chard is a leafy green vegetable that is often compared to spinach or collard greens.
Like spinach, it has a mild flavor and can be eaten raw or cooked.
It is also a good source of vitamins A, C, and K.
However, Swiss chard is more similar to collard greens in terms of appearance, with large, flat leaves and thick stems.
It is also one of the few vegetables in multiple colors, including white, yellow, orange, red, and violet.
Swiss chard is a versatile ingredient that can be used in various dishes, from soups and stews to stir-fries and salads.
It is also a beautiful addition to any plate, making it a popular choice for home cooks and professional chefs.
Swiss chard and collard greens are often compared, as they are both leafy greens packed with nutrients.
However, they do have some notable differences.
For one, swiss chard is sweeter than collard greens.
Additionally, swiss chard has a thinner texture and is more tender than collard greens.
Conclusion
When it comes to substitutes for collard greens, a few options stand out as being the best.
First, kale is a great option because it has a similar taste and texture.
Additionally, mustard greens, spinach, and Swiss chard are good substitutes because they have a similar nutritional profile.
Finally, turnip greens are another good option because they can be cooked the same way as collard greens.
While there are other options, these four substitutes are the best in terms of taste, nutrition, and cooking.
FAQs
What can replace collard greens?
If you’re planning to cook the greens in a soup or stew, kale is definitely the best alternative. They have similar flavors and textures so they can be used interchangeably in recipes.
…
Collard Greens Substitute Spinach.
Turnip greens.
Mustard greens.
Swiss chard.
What are collard greens compared to?
How Do They Compare to Other Leafy Greens? Collards are smooth and hearty in texture with broad, dark green leaves, and light-colored veins and stems. Taste-wise, collard greens have a flavor that can be described as a cross between kale and cabbage.
Can I substitute cabbage for collard greens?
Cabbage is commonly eaten raw or cooked, and it can withstand long cooking times, making it a good alternative if your collard greens were intended for a soup or stew.
Which is healthier collard greens or turnip greens?
Nutritional Differences Between Turnip and Collard Greens
They are similar in that they both offer high levels of Vitamin K, C, A, and fiber. You can get a decent amount of manganese from collard greens consumption, and you can get a decent amount of calcium from eating turnip greens.
What vegetables are considered collard greens?
Collard greens are a form of kale, and part of the cruciferous family of vegetables such as cabbage and its many relatives (bok choy, kale, brussels sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower). Collard green has broad, open leaves, and along with kale, are often considered one of the most ancient members of the cabbage family.
What’s so special about collard greens?
Collard greens are an excellent source of vitamin A, vitamin C, and calcium, a rich source of vitamin K, and a good source of iron, vitamin B-6, and magnesium. They also contain thiamin, niacin, pantothenic acid, and choline.
Which is healthier collard or kale?
These two are related – both are technically a variety of cabbage in the species Brassica oleracea. As a result, both greens are very nutritious and rich in vitamins A, B, E and K. Collards are lower in calories and high in fiber and protein, while kale contains more iron.
Which is healthier spinach or collard greens?
Collard greens are frequently eaten in the Southern U.S. regions, but deserve attention everywhere for their health benefits. Collard greens provide nearly twice the amount of calcium as spinach and are high in potassium and magnesium, too.
Which is better collards or kale?
Nutritional Differences Between Collard Greens and Kale
Both are high in vitamins K, A, and C, though kale has more protein compared to collard greens. In addition, collard greens have a decent amount of manganese in a single serving, while kale has a decent amount of iron per serving, depending on what you are looking for.
What can you put in collards to make them not bitter?
Add Vinaigrette, Emphasis on “Vinegar”
Acidity can really bring a pleasant flavor out of bitter greens. If they’re being used for a salad, it’s good to add a vinaigrette with plenty of acidity to brighten it up. If you are sauteing, add some vinegar or citrus to the greens to finish them off.