Peak Season: January through April, but usually available year round.

A member of the cabbage family, collard greens are of a variety that won't form a head, but instead grows in loose leaves on top of a longer stem. Long a staple of soul food cooking, collards are a close relative of (and often mistaken for) kale.

 

When buying fresh collard greens, look for crisp, bright green leaves that have no signs of yellowing, wilting or insect damage. Store in a plastic bag in the refrigerator of 3-5 days after purchase.