Available Variety Spotlight: Vates Collard

From Seed Savers Exchange:

"Vates (aka Blue Stem, Vates Non-Heading) was developed by and named for the Virginia Truck Experiment Station. Dark green leaves on upright 24-inch plants. Known for lack of purpling in veins and leaves. Excellent variety for boiling. Bolt and frost resistant.

• 60-80 days

• ±7,000 seeds/oz

• Conventional

• Known for its lack of purpling

• Grows to 2 feet tall

• Excellent variety for boiling

• Bolt and frost resistant

This variety works for:

• Steaming

• Boiling

• Baking

• Soup

Collards are traditionally associated with slow cooking. Combine de-veined and chopped leaves with ham hocks or thick slices of bacon and garlic. After about 90 minutes of simmering a broth known as pot liquor will form and can be used in other dishes or to top your servings.

Collards can also be added to baked dishes and quickly braised. Consider cooking them with a cider vinegar or soy sauce and sesame oil."