Chard question.

[TNDemo]

I planted some regular chard (not Swiss) last year. It lasted through the winter and finally has started to bolt. I was beginning to think it was going to be the oldest chard ever. Anyway, some of the plants have not bolted yet. Would it be okay to eat? Even though it is about 14-15 months old? I was afraid it might be bitter.

[Viva_La_Revolution]

1. give it a try

I cook mine down like spinach. maybe a pinch of white sugar if it does seem bitter.

[HopeHoops]

2. Yeah, just try it. If it sucks, don't eat it.

[beac]

3. My chard is on its THIRD year growing and overwintering in the same pot.

So far, so good.

Will be interested to hear how yours tastes.

[JDPriestly]

4. My chard usually lasts a couple of years (Southern California).

I chop the chard, dividing the white stem from the green leaves. Then I chop up the stems and separately the leaves. I put a little sausage or salami or something like in the pan with a bit of oil (olive oil is what I use) and then put in the onions and the white stems of the chard. When that is all a bit soft, I add the greens of the chard and pour a little apple cider vinegar over it. Cook just a tiny bit more and then eat. It's good.

[Gormy Cuss]

5. What do you mean by "regular?"

Swiss chard =chard AFAIK.

As to eating your old chard, my experience with older leaves is that the flavor of the leafy portion is fine but the stems may be too tough to eat unless you slice them thinly before cooking. The old stems were starchier and had little flavor.