Swiss Chard Lipstick

Swiss chard 'Lipstick' catches the eye before delighting the palate: its vivid pink stems stand proudly at the heart of dark green, crinkled and glossy foliage. This robust and generous variety is not bothered by passing heatwaves nor light autumn frosts. It offers long harvests if its leaves are carefully picked as needed.
Sowing: from March to July, directly in position. Harvest: from May until the frosts, according to your needs.

Botanically, 'Lipstick' is a selection of Beta vulgaris subsp. cicla (formerly B. vulgaris var. cicla), more commonly called Swiss chard or leaf beet. All varieties of Swiss chard descend from Beta vulgaris subsp. maritima, a wild Mediterranean plant growing on saline coasts.
This cultivated leaf vegetable has existed since antiquity: mentioned by the Greeks and Romans, distributed throughout the Mediterranean basin for its edible leaves long before the sugar beet root.
'Lipstick' leaf beet continues this tradition, combining decorative character (coloured stems) and good yield, thanks to modern selections that enhance the glossiness of the midribs, their vibrant hue and better tolerance to climate variations.

'Lipstick' Swiss chard in the kitchen:
Its tender and mild young leaves can be enjoyed raw in salads. When mature, the foliage can be cooked like spinach, while its fleshy midribs are used in gratins, steamed or in hearty stir-fries. Low in calories but rich in fibre, vitamins and minerals, it is a tasty and beneficial vegetable to be used in generous, family-friendly cooking.

From a nutritional standpoint: leaf beet has more than one asset. Its leaves are packed with vitamins A, C and K, as well as essential minerals like iron, magnesium and potassium. Rich in fibre and very low in calories, it contributes to a balanced diet while adding colour and freshness to the plate. Like all chard, it contains oxalates, to be consumed in moderation by anyone with a sensitivity to these substances (arthritis, kidney stones).

In the ornamental garden: 'Lipstick' Swiss chard doesn't just nourish: it beautifies. Its pink stems brighten the vegetable garden and also find their place in a flower bed, alongside flowers with warm tones like marigolds, or light tones like cosmos.

In the vegetable garden: as a companion plant, it appreciates being close to carrots, onions or turnips, which share its preference for moist, loose soil.

Harvest: pick the large leaves as needed, the plant will continuously produce new ones.
Storage: a few days in the refrigerator, but the best is enjoyed freshly picked.

The gardener's little tip: a generous mulch keeps the soil moist and improves the flavour of the leaves. Staggered sowings ensure a long harvest period, from spring to autumn.