Swiss Chard and a great recipe to try

Swiss chard is not native to Switzerland  but rather the Mediterranean. The ancient Greeks and Romans honored chard for its medicinal properties. 
Swiss Chard is one vegetable rich in nutrients, antioxidants as well as cardioprotective flavonoid. Chard also contains syringic acid that can help regulate blood sugar. To cook swiss chard slice leaves 1 inch wide an the stems 1/2 inch wide an boil for 3 minutes. One should only eat the stems of varieties with white stems. 





Sautéed Swiss Chard with Pancetta
Adapted from Sunset

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 cup (2 oz.) chopped pancetta
2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
2 fresh red chiles such as Fresno or jalapeño, finely chopped
2 pounds Swiss chard, leaves whole, stems and ribs removed and chopped
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Cook pancetta, stirring, until crispy, about 3 minutes. Add garlic, chiles, and chard stems and ribs and cook until slightly softened, about 4 minutes. Add chard leaves and pepper, cover pot, and cook until wilted, stirring occasionally, about 6 minutes.