Collard greens

In season in SW Michigan

In season

Months from the MSU Extension seasonal availability guide. Weather shifts dates a little each year.

Key nutrients

%DV uses FDA Daily Values for adults and children 4+. Values are USDA lab averages scaled to the serving; your harvest may differ.

Wellness

A cup of cooked collard greens has about 63 calories, 773 mcg of vitamin K (644% DV) and 722 mcg of vitamin A (80% DV). (USDA) The NIH Office of Dietary Supplements says vitamin K is important for blood clotting and healthy bones, and that people who take the blood thinner warfarin (Coumadin) should get about the same amount of vitamin K each day. (NIH ODS) NIH ODS also says vitamin A is important for normal vision, the immune system, reproduction, and growth and development. Plants supply carotenoids such as beta-carotene, which the body can turn into vitamin A. (NIH ODS)

Pick, store and use

• Store

  Wrap unwashed greens in moist paper towels and keep them in a sealed plastic bag in the crisper. They keep about 3–4 days. (MSU Extension)

• Use

  Wash well in several changes of water; greens often carry dirt and grit. (MSU Extension)

• Freeze

  Pick young, tender leaves, cut off woody stems, blanch collards 3 minutes, then cool and pack. (MSU Extension)

Where to get it nearby

No farm in our directory lists collards by name yet. Many farm markets carry more than their listing says, so it's worth asking.

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