Beet leaves contain 102-117mg calcium, 41-58mg phosphorous giving them a good Ca:P ratio and provide 30-32mg vitamin C per 100gm. The leaf beet family includes Swiss chard, sea kale and spinach beet
Once cut, the leaves are extremely perishable so this is a good reason for growing your own so you can pick and eat it the same day.
From the same family as the beetroot, chards have been selectively grown to maximise leaf production at the expense of the root. Hence leaf beets lack the large, swollen edible root that characterises beetroot.
Chards are distinguished by their fleshy midrib which can be white, red or multicoloured.
