What would give Swiss Chard a gritty texture?

I made Swiss chard rolls last night and when we would bite into them there would be this gritty bite once in a while, almost like biting into a small gravel. Swiss chard itself has a gritty texture but this was definitely "stone-like".

When I was washing the Swiss chard leaves, I did notice its texture to be grainy but not to the point of "dirty". Has anyone else encountered this? Do you think I just didn't wash the leaves thoroughly enough? I can't imagine it coming from any of the other ingredients from the recipe. Sure I had some stalk from the Swiss chard, chopped mint, and chopped arugula but it sounded like a stone.

Best Answer

The recipe you linked to has lentils in it. Most recipes with lentils tell you to rinse and drain them, and also to pick over them for stones. Lentils are seeds from a plant, and during their harvest, it's not uncommon for small stones to be picked up as well. (Same goes for rice and any type of legume.)

If you didn't check for any small stones before cooking your lentils, your encounter with "stone-like" objects is probably, in fact, due to stones.

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Is Swiss chard gritty?

Like all greens, chard can be gritty and needs washing in successive bowls of cold water. Stem blemishes should be trimmed. The easiest way to cook chard leaves is in a deep, covered pot; make sure to leave some moisture clinging to the leaves.

Is Swiss chard Sandy?

It is suited to moist, light (sandy) and fertile soil, with a pH between 6.0-6.8, and needs to be in grown in full sunlight or partial shade. The plant prefers cool summer temperatures but is tolerant of heat and humidity. Swiss chard needs consistent moisture, and extra water during hot and dry summer periods.

Why does my chard taste like dirt?

The earthy, dirt-like taste of Swiss chard comes from the presence of geosmin, a compound naturally found in chard and beets.

Why is my chard tough?

Answer: If the plants are subjected to fluctuations in water, the leaves of the chard can become tough.

How to Grow Swiss Chard - Complete Growing Guide

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