Swiss chard is one of those beautiful, mysterious vegetables that many people don't know. A staple in Mediterranean kitchens, it is closely related to the beet family and has beautiful large green leaves. The sometimes thick stems, which look like celery stalks, can be red, white or a combination of vibrant reds, yellow and oranges – called rainbow or bright lights chard. The stems and leaves are both edible and can be cooked pretty much any way that spinach is, although the stems should be cooked before the greens as they may take a bit longer to soften.

Depending upon whom you ask – chard can have an earthy, sweet, sometimes bitter or salty flavor. It seems to have a sweeter flavor in cooler weather.

In case you’re wondering where the name comes from - Swiss Chard was named by a Swiss botanist and was so named Swiss Chard.

I love sprouts, but they don’t lend themselves to vivid and colorful descriptions. They are not sensual and they aren’t complicated. They’re green.

A news report today says an approval of the first genetically-modified animal for human consumption is now in final review at the federal level.

Keeping chickens is now legal in the city of Milwaukee.

Since 2006, the number of honeybee colonies in the United States has dropped precipitously. What are all those empty and abandoned hives telling us? A new documentary that tries to answer the question will air next week at the Time Cinema on Milwaukee's west side.
 

A series of rallies demanding that foods containing Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) be labeled is planned for this coming weekend.

A new program run by Milwaukee's Growing Power that hopes to boost inner city food production and provide up to 150 jobs has received funding from the city.

The city of Milwaukee today will consider a proposal by Growing Power to create urban farms that would offer employment and training to inner city residents.

Can't see past the snow drifts? Treehugger has a great feature today listing the top ten garden veggies you can grow this summer that'll warm your green thumbs.

Here's a great idea for local libraries - maintain a lending collection of seeds for local gardeners.

A new study touts the health benefits of organic milk over conventional.

A series of rallies demanding that foods containing Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) be labeled is planned for this coming weekend.