Leafy greens

Leafy greens are among the most versatile ingredients in the kitchen. From tender lettuces and peppery arugula to sturdy leaves such as spinach and chard, each type has its own flavor, texture and culinary use.

On this page you will discover different leafy greens and how they are used in cooking. Some are perfect for fresh salads, while others shine in warm dishes, soups or stir-fries.

  • Sla

    Lettuce

    A fresh leafy vegetable with a mild flavor and a crisp bite. Most commonly used raw in salads and sandwiches.

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  • Rucola

    Rocket

    Rocket is a peppery leafy green with a distinctive, nutty flavour. Its narrow leaves are mainly used raw in salads, but also work well on pizza, in pasta dishes and as a fresh finishing touch to warm meals.

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  • Spinazie

    Spinach

    A tender green leafy vegetable with a mild, slightly earthy flavor. It can be used raw in salads or briefly cooked in dishes ranging from pasta to curry.

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  • Veldsla

    Lamb’s lettuce

    Lamb’s lettuce is a soft leafy green with small spoon-shaped leaves and a mild, nutty flavor.

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  • Snijbiet

    Swiss chard

    Swiss chard is a versatile leafy vegetable with firm stems and tender leaves, with a mild earthy flavor.

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  • Snijbiet

    Swiss chard

    Swiss chard is a versatile leafy vegetable with firm stems and tender leaves, with a mild earthy flavor.

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  • Paksoi

    Pak choi

    Pak choi is a fresh, crunchy cabbage variety with juicy white (or light green) stems and tender leaves.

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  • Waterkers

    Watercress

    Watercress is a fresh leafy vegetable with a peppery, lively flavour. Its small leaves are delicious in salads, on sandwiches or as a fresh finishing touch for soups and other dishes.

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  • Mosterdblad

    Mustard greens

    Mustard greens are a peppery leafy vegetable with a mildly sharp, aromatic flavour. They are tasty raw in salads and also well suited to quick stir-fries or warm vegetable dishes.

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  • Postelein

    Purslane

    Purslane is a tender leafy vegetable with a fresh, slightly tangy flavour. Its juicy leaves are used raw in salads, but can also be briefly stewed or added to mash dishes and other warm meals.

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  • Raapstelen

    Turnip tops

    Turnip greens are young, fresh leafy vegetables with a mildly peppery flavour and a slight mustard-like note. Their tender leaves and stems are often used raw in salads or mash dishes, but also work well in stir-fries and other light preparations.

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  • Andijvie

    Endive

    Endive is a leafy vegetable with a fresh, slightly bitter flavour and a crisp texture. It can be used raw in salads, but also in mashed dishes and other warm recipes.

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Bladgroenten in de keuken

Flavor, Preparation and Culinary Uses

Leafy Greens in the Kitchen

Leafy greens are used in many different cuisines. Some varieties are eaten raw in salads, while others develop their flavor best when briefly heated.

Spinach and chard, for example, are often sautéed or used in savory pies, while arugula and lamb’s lettuce are popular in fresh salads. Because of their delicate texture, leafy greens are usually quick to prepare.

Bladgroenten bewaren

Tips to Keep Leafy Greens Fresh Longer

Storing Leafy Greens

Leafy greens are delicate and stay freshest when stored cool and slightly moist.

They are best kept in the refrigerator, for example in the vegetable drawer. Make sure the leaves are not left wet, as this will cause them to spoil more quickly.