How to Freeze Swiss Chard

Swiss chard grows quite abundantly and you will have Swiss chard crop long after other garden vegetables are done growing and producting. If you plan to use your Swiss chard in a few weeks, you can simply cut it and place it in quart size freezer bag. It will still have a good flavor and texture for a few weeks.

You can freeze your Swiss chard for up to a year with the following steps: Cut the Swiss chart from the garden with a knife or sharp scissors. Next, place the Swiss chard in a pan or strainer and rise it with water, moving the leaves around in the water to remove any dirt or residue. Be sure to check each leaf thoroughly, especially for dirt stuck in the grooves of the leaves. Once the Swiss Chard is clean, drain the water.

Fill a pan with enough water to cover the Swiss Chard. Bring the water to a rolling (hard) boil. While the water is boiling, cut off the Swiss Chard stems (they will not freeze well) and set aside for another use. Cut the Swiss Chard leaves into pieces, whatever size you prefer.

Once the water has reached a hard boil, place the Swiss chard in the water and boil for 2 minutes. Next, drain the Swiss chard and place it in ice water until cooled down (this is called blanching).

Remove as much water as possible from the Swiss chard and place the Swiss chard in quart freezer bags and seal the bags. Lay the bags flat until frozen. The Swiss chard is now ready to enjoy all winter.