Warm up with Hearty Winter Greens

by Lindsey Sexton - November 6, 2024

As the leaves turn and the air gets crisp, November is a fantastic time to enjoy leafy winter greens in Arkansas! These greens are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients.

What Are Hearty Winter Greens?

Winter greens are plants that thrive in cooler weather. Some popular varieties include:

• Spinach - Dark green leaves that can be eaten raw in salads or cooked in dishes.
• Kale - A hearty green that can be used in salads, smoothies, or soups.
• Cabbage - A compact head of tightly packed leaves that can be eaten cooked or raw.
• Chard - A member of the beet family with large, curly leaves, and thicker crunchy stems.
• Lettuce - Typically a more tender variety of green which does not need cooking.
• Collard Greens - Thick leaves that are often cooked to make them tender and flavorful.
• Mustard Greens - Spicy and peppery, these greens add a kick to any dish.
• Turnip Greens - The dark, leafy tops found on turnip plants provide an earthy flavor.

These greens are usually available at any grocery store or for picking at local farms and farmers' markets during November and December.

What's so great about Greens?

Leafy greens are often touted as a superfood because they contain lots of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals like calcium and iron. Greens are also high in fiber which helps keep our digestive system moving and add heartiness to our meal. Even though they provide a lot of roughage, greens are low in calories making them an excellent base for salads and a tasty addition to soups and sandwiches. 

Leafy greens fall under the Vegetables section of the MyPlate model. It’s important to fill half of our plate with fruits and vegetables, and eating leafy greens are a great way to do that!

Where can I Find Greens in Arkansas?

If you’re excited to buy or pick some fresh leafy greens, there are quite a few places in Arkansas where you can find them. Visit https://ar.foodmarketmaker.com/ and search the terms below for a market or farm near you.

Farmers' Markets: Many towns in Arkansas have farmers' markets where you can buy fresh, locally grown greens. 
  
U-Pick Farms: Some farms allow you to pick your own greens! Look for farms like "The Berry Farm" or "Greenhouse Cabbage" in the area. 

Also, most grocery stores in Arkansas carry a variety of leafy greens. Look for fresh spinach, kale, and collard greens in the produce section. Look for greens that are free of rotten spots or wilt and wash right before you plan to eat or cook them.

How do I wash Greens?

To prepare greens for cooking, first remove any damaged outer leaves. Fill a large bowl with cold water and add the greens. Swish them around to help loosen any dirt on the leaves. Pour out the dirty water and fill the bowl with clean water. Swish the leaves under the clean water again to remove any additional dirt. Continue this process until the water in the blow remains clear after swishing. Then drain and proceed with your recipe.

November is a wonderful time to enjoy leafy winter greens in Arkansas. Not only are they delicious and nutritious, but they also fit terrifically into a balanced diet according to the MyPlate model. So, visit a local grocery store, farm, or market and enjoy picking out some fresh greens this season! 

Kale Chips

Serves 8