Why Collard Greens?
Article Courtesy:
Latibah Museum Collard Green Museum
Collard greens date back to prehistoric times, and are one of the oldest members of the cabbage family. Collards are also known as tree cabbage or non-heading cabbage. Though greens did not originate in Africa but originated in the eastern Mediterranean, it wasn't until the first Africans arrived in Jamestown, Virginia in the early 1600s that America got its first taste of the dark green, leafy vegetable. The habit of eating greens that have been cooked down into a low gravy and drinking the juices from the greens (known as "pot likker") is of African origin.
The collard greens were just one of a few select vegetables that African-Americans were allowed to grow and harvest for themselves and their families throughout times of enslavement, and so over the years cooked greens developed into a traditional food. Even after the Africans were emancipated in the late 1800s, their love of greens continued and they kept handing down their well-developed repertoire of greens recipes from one generation to the next. The pot likker is quite nutritious and delicious, and contributes to the comfort-food aspects of the dish.
Collard greens are an extremely nutritious cool-season vegetable - rich in vitamins and minerals that help prevent and fight disease. Today, many varieties of greens - collards, mustard, turnips, chard, spinach, and kale - continue to be a traditional offering at picnics, potlucks, parties and family dinners. They are a staple in African-American culture and provide:
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rich health-promoting phytonutrients,
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optimized detoxification / cleansing ability for cells,
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broad antioxidant protection,
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calcium - a mineral benefiting a lot more than strong bones,
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optimized immune functions,
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promoted lung health,
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cardiovascular protection,
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a healthy transition through menopause,
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vitamin enrichment that slows the loss of mental functions.
Truly Living Well honors the rich tradition of collard greens with our annual sale of this healthy and historic produce. Join us on Saturday, November 21 and on Wednesday, November 25 to get your holiday collard greens and continue a great tradition. Details and market times within this newsletter.
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TLW Collard Greens Sale
