Swiss chard is a versatile vegetable that can be used in a number of recipes from soups to salads. It can also be baked in a casserole dish with cheese and herbs or roasted until tender and seasoned with butter and thyme. Although it can keep for several days, the freshness will diminish over time.
Does Swiss Chard Go Bad?
Swiss chard is a beautiful, leafy green vegetable that can be cooked in many ways. It doesn’t last long though, so it needs to be stored properly. The key to storing Swiss chard is choosing the right storage container.
How Long Does Swiss Chard Last?
Swiss chard has a relatively short shelf life. It has a shelf life of 10-14 days at room temperature after which it will start to wilt and spoil.
If you plan on storing your vegetables at room temperature, make sure they are stored in an airtight container and stored in the pantry.
To extend the shelf life, it’s best to store it in a refrigerator. Store the swiss chard in an airtight container with a damp towel or paper towel on top.
How To Tell When Swiss Chard Is Bad?
Swiss chard is a leafy green vegetable that is commonly used in soups and stews, but it should be eaten only when it has no signs of spoilage.
Swiss chard should not smell putrid or moldy, nor should it have any discoloration from the leaves. It should be crisp and crunchy when you bite into them and if they taste a little bit bitter or pungent, they are likely spoiled.
Other signs to look for when swiss chards go bad includes:
- It feels slimy or moist
- It has a strong smell of ammonia or skunk spray
- The leaves are browning or wilting
How To Store Swiss Chard
Swiss chard is one of the vegetables that can be stored for a long period of time. It is best to store it in a fridge, but it can also be stored in a cool pantry or on the counter.
One way to store Swiss chard is by leaving the leaves on, wrapping them with foil, and placing them in a plastic bag. This method can help keep moisture in so it doesn’t wilt when cooked later.
In the refrigerator, swiss chard is best stored in the crisper drawer. You can also place them in a plastic bag and store them in the refrigerator for up to one week. The colder temperature will help it retain its nutrients and flavor.
If they sit longer than that, the leaves will start to turn brown and potentially go bad.
If you need to store than for longer than a week, they can be stored in the freezer so that they will last for several months.
How To Keep Swiss Chard Fresh Longer
Swiss chard, like many other vegetables, begins to lose flavor after about 2-3 days. To keep it fresh, cut the leaves into smaller pieces and store the stems with the leaves in separate containers.
Store Swiss chard in a plastic bag or wrap it in cheesecloth before storing it in a container covered with damp paper towels. The paper towels will absorb any excess moisture and keep the plant fresh for up to five days. This will help produce condensation on the surface of the vegetables, which helps them retain more moisture and stay fresher for longer periods of time.
Related Questions
Can you eat old swiss chard?
No, you should not eat swiss chard that is old. Old Swiss chard should be discarded because it has already gone bad.
Can bad swiss chard make you sick?
Yes, it can. When swiss chard is left out on the counter for too long, the natural sugars in the vegetable become more concentrated and can lead to an upset stomach or illness.