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.
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Lettuce
Read moreA fresh leafy vegetable with a mild flavor and a crisp bite. Most commonly used raw in salads and sandwiches.
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Rocket
Read moreRocket 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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Spinach
Read moreA 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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Lamb’s lettuce
Read moreLamb’s lettuce is a soft leafy green with small spoon-shaped leaves and a mild, nutty flavor.
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Swiss chard
Read moreSwiss chard is a versatile leafy vegetable with firm stems and tender leaves, with a mild earthy flavor.
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Swiss chard
Read moreSwiss chard is a versatile leafy vegetable with firm stems and tender leaves, with a mild earthy flavor.
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Pak choi
Read morePak choi is a fresh, crunchy cabbage variety with juicy white (or light green) stems and tender leaves.
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Watercress
Read moreWatercress 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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Mustard greens
Read moreMustard 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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Purslane
Read morePurslane 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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Turnip tops
Read moreTurnip 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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Endive
Read moreEndive 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.
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.
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.