Swiss chard

Blette

What it is

The same species as beetroot, bred for leaf instead of root. Nice puts it in a sweet tart with raisins and pine nuts — the tourte de blettes, a dessert made of a green vegetable, which locals defend with some heat.

In the kitchen

Stems and leaves cook at completely different rates. Slice the stems, start them five minutes ahead, add the leaves at the end.

Goes with

Garlic Olive oil Pine nut Raisin Parmesan Lemon Cream Nutmeg

Same species

Beetroot Chioggia beetroot Crapaudine beetroot Isomalt Sea beet Vergeoise

In season alongside

Broccoli Kale Cavolo nero Escarole Broad bean Frisée

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