Can you eat silverbeet stalks?
In this brief guide, we will answer the question, “Can you eat silverbeet stalks?.” We will further learn about what silverbeets are, what the stalks look like, how to prepare silverbeets, how to store silverbeets and some culinary uses of silverbeets.
Can you eat silverbeet stalks?
Yes, you can eat silverbeet stalks. The stems of silverbeet are as edible as their leaves, although they may come in different colours, including white, green, and others due to varietal differences.
What is silverbeet?
Silverbeet also has other names, including chard, Swiss chard, and seakale beet. It tastes like spinach but with a stronger flavour.
It is a leafy green vegetable with usually white stems, and occasionally the red beet is available, which has the same green leaves as silverbeet but a rich pink-red stem and veins.
Silverbeet is a year-round crop that is simple to raise. Silverbeet may appear to be a member of the spinach family, but it is a member of the beet family.
When compared to English spinach or baby spinach, silverbeet has a more earthy, richer flavour that is also a lot more filling.
What does the silverbeet stalk look like?
The silverbeet stalks are usually white and occasionally red to pink in red beet. It has crisp green leaves attached to the firm white stalks that are ideal for consumption. When the leaves are wilted or damaged, they should be avoided.
How to prepare silverbeet stalks?
Preparing silverbeet stalks as well as their leaves is a relatively simple task.
- Begin by washing the stalks at least twice. Excess water should be shaken off.
- Remove the stalks and centre ribs, then chop to the preferred size.
- The stems can be chopped and cooked like asparagus. Both the stems and the leaves can be used together. However, the stems take longer to cook, so the leaves should be added 3 to 4 minutes after the stems.
- Some really good ways of cooking silverbeet include stir-frying, steaming, and microwaving.
How to store silverbeet?
Silverbeets are delicate green leafy vegetables and must be stored properly to ensure they last longer. Since silverbeet is highly perishable, proper storage is vital for extending its life.
- Silverbeets should be kept chilled in the refrigerator and handled with care by inspecting them regularly and removing any broken stalks or leaves. Trim the stem butt daily and maintain the moisture level of the silverbeet.
- Although 0 °C is the ideal storage temperature, it should be stored at a temperature of 2 to 5 °C with a relative humidity of 90–100%, which is a slightly higher temperature due to the possibility of the product freezing.
- Keep it refrigerated in paper bags and use it as soon as possible since silverbeet is ethylene-sensitive and keep it away from ethylene-producing items.
What are the culinary uses of silverbeet?
Silverbeet is used in diverse ways, such as adding flavour, colour, and texture to soups, pies, lasagnas, pizzas, and dips.
Wash silver beets in cold salted water and drain them before shredding and adding them raw to salads. Silverbeet stir-fries, curries, quiches, soups, and a side dish are all terrific ways to use silver beet. Some popular silverbeet recipes are:
Silverbeet is braised to make a braised silverbeet on creamy polenta.
To prepare, in a deep frying pan, heat one tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the silverbeet has wilted. Then salt and pepper to taste, and the recipe is done.
Silverbeet can be stir-fried as a stir-fried sticky teriyaki silverbeet.
Silver beet stems are discarded in this recipe while the leaves are cut in half lengthwise, with the centre vein removed. In a wok, heat the peanut oil over high heat.
Combine the onions, garlic, ginger, chilli, and snow peas in a mixing bowl. Stir-fry for 2 minutes, or until the mixture smells fragrant, and then add in the silverbeet leaves. Stir-fry for 4 to 5 minutes, or until they begin to wilt.
Combine the teriyaki sauce, honey, and sesame oil in a mixing bowl. Stir-fry for 1 minute, or until everything is well blended. Serve with sesame seeds on top.
Silverbeets can be used raw in a warm honey-roasted pumpkin, silverbeet, and currant salad.
Silver beet stems can be discarded in the recipe while the leaves are shredded coarsely. Combine the silverbeet and the other salad ingredients in a serving bowl. The dressing should be drizzled on top and everything mixed.
Conclusion
In this brief guide, we have answered the question, “Can you eat silverbeet stalks?.” We have further learned about what silverbeets are, what the stalks look like, how to prepare silverbeets, how to store silverbeets and some culinary uses of silverbeets.
