ABSTRACT
Swiss chard has been cultivated since 300 B.C. and the roots of wild chard were used as medicine. The wild form of Swiss chard is found in the Canary Island, Mediterranean region and East to South Asia. Chard is known to be a nutritional powerhouse vegetable packed with minerals, vitamins and health benefits. Fresh young chard can be used raw in salads and added in omelettes, soups and stews. Swiss chard has anti-cancerous properties due to the huge amount of antioxidants found in it. It contains significant amounts of vitamin E, vitamin C, lutien, beta-carotene, zinc and quercetin. Swiss chard is a biennial plant but it is grown as an annual. It is dicotyledonous and usually herbaceous in nature. The plant has a moderately deep root system. Swiss chard can be grown on any type of soil having sufficient fertility and proper drainage system but sandy loam or loam soils are ideal for its cultivation.
