Cooking with Bradford Collards: Classic & Creative Ways to Enjoy a Southern Heirloom
Once you’ve brought home a beautiful bunch of Bradford Collards from our Market, the question becomes: how best to enjoy them? These heirloom greens, grown with care right here in South Carolina, are flavorful, tender, and remarkably versatile.
Whether you prefer time-honored traditions or enjoy experimenting in the kitchen, Bradford Collards are a joy to cook with. Here are a few delicious ways to prepare them:
1. The Southern Classic: Slow-Simmered with Smoked Meat
There’s nothing more comforting than a pot of collards gently simmered with smoked ham hock, turkey wings, or bacon. Bradford Collards shine in this preparation thanks to their naturally tender leaves and rich, buttery flavor.
To Make:
Sauté onions and garlic in a bit of olive oil or rendered bacon fat. Add chopped collards, cover with broth (chicken or vegetable), and tuck in a smoked meat of your choice. Simmer on low for 45 minutes to an hour until the greens are soft but not mushy. Finish with a splash of vinegar to brighten the flavors.
2. Quick Sauté with Garlic and Olive Oil
For a lighter option, Bradford Collards can be prepared just like spinach or kale. Their tender texture means they don’t require a long cook time.
To Make:
Sauté minced garlic in olive oil until fragrant. Add chopped collards, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 5–7 minutes until wilted but still vibrant. Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
3. Braised with Tomatoes and Onions
This slightly sweet and tangy method is inspired by Gullah and Lowcountry cooking traditions. It’s a great side dish for roasted meats or seafood.
To Make:
Cook sliced onions until soft, add diced tomatoes (fresh or canned), and then add your collards. Season with salt, pepper, and a touch of sugar or molasses. Simmer gently until the greens are tender and the flavors meld.
4. Collard Wraps: A Healthy, Southern-Inspired Twist
Use large, whole Bradford Collard leaves in place of tortillas for wraps. Blanch them briefly in boiling water to soften, then fill with your choice of grains, vegetables, and proteins.
Great Combinations:
Brown rice, black-eyed peas, and roasted sweet potatoes
Quinoa, hummus, cucumber, and grilled chicken
Leftover pulled pork with slaw and hot sauce
5. Collard & White Bean Soup
A nourishing, rustic soup that makes a satisfying meal on cool evenings.
To Make:
Sauté garlic, onion, and celery. Add chopped Bradford Collards, a can of white beans, and broth. Simmer until the greens are tender. Add a squeeze of lemon and top with shaved Parmesan or a swirl of olive oil for a refined finish.
6. Southern Stir-Fry
Add chopped collards to a skillet with onions, bell peppers, and sausage or shrimp for a quick one-pan meal. Bradford Collards hold up beautifully and soak up the flavors around them.
One Green, Endless Possibilities
Whether you’re preparing a Sunday supper or a quick weeknight dish, Bradford Collards add depth, flavor, and a sense of place to your plate. Their heritage and local roots make them special—but it’s their taste that will keep you coming back.
Pick up a bunch this week at the Market and try one of these preparations—or get creative with your own! If you discover a new favorite, we’d love to hear about it.
