Swiss Chard - Is it safe?

[robstott]

Hi all,

Just after a bit of advice.

I grew some swiss chard this summer and it was great. I'm surprised that it's still growing quite happily now (end December). The only problem with it is that is has a very slight, whiteish, dusty covering underneath the leaves. I can wash the white stuff off, but is it safe to eat the chard afterwards?

Cheers
Rob

[kitchengardner]

Hi all,

Just after a bit of advice.

I grew some swiss chard this summer and it was great. I'm surprised that it's still growing quite happily now (end December). The only problem with it is that is has a very slight, whiteish, dusty covering underneath the leaves. I can wash the white stuff off, but is it safe to eat the chard afterwards?

Cheers
Rob

This is almost certainly mould, which are generally benign especially if you boil the veg after washing. However it does not taste nice so I would give it a miss.

To avoid the problem reoccuring you should remove any infected leaves, try and increase the ventilation (ie remove any covering, thin out plants etc), avoid wetting the leaves (ie water the soil) and if necessary sprinkle the plants with Bordeaux mix powder. If you do the latter wash the leaves thoroughly before eating

Regards

Kitchen Gardener

[Flummery]

It could be due to the presence of white fly, Rob. Just wash it off and it's fine. If you shake the chard leaves just before picking and a few little grey-ish insects do a runner (flapper?) then you have white fly. It's common on winter greens - I always get it on kale, but a good rinse and it's no problem. Been eating it for years and I'm still here!

[robstott]

Thanks for the tips, folks. I guess I'll wash it carefully, and hope it tastes okay. If it kills me I'll let you know... ;-)

Cheers
Rob

[Snadger]

............... If it kills me I'll let you know... ;-)

Cheers
Rob

Yeah watch yourself you could wake up dead!

[miffy]

Given the choice between a little bit of white mould that washes off and all the crud that is on supermarket veg i think i would rather eat your mouldy chard any day. Don't worry about it. P.S Nice knowing you briefly, just in case. lol