Collard Greens

Southern-style collard greens are a slow-simmered, savory side dish made from the tough, dark green leaves of the collard plant, typically cooked with smoked meats like ham hocks or bacon for deep flavor. This staple of American soul food and Southern cuisine is known for its tender texture and rich, slightly bitter taste balanced by the smokiness of the meat and sometimes a touch of vinegar.

🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

This dish is generally low in carbohydrates and protein but can be moderate in fat depending on the amount of smoked meat used. It is an excellent source of vitamins K, A, and C, as well as fiber and calcium, with a typical serving containing around 50-100 calories.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	65 kcal
Protein	5.5 g
Carbs	7.5 g
Fat	2.5 g
Fiber	4.5 g
Sugar	1 g
Sodium	480 mg
Vitamin A	9600 IU
Vitamin C	35 mg
Vitamin K	770 mcg
Calcium	270 mg
Iron	2.2 mg
Magnesium	40 mg
Potassium	350 mg
Manganese	0.6 mg

Per 1 cup (190 g) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

Collard greens have a long history in Southern cuisine, with roots tracing back to African and Native American culinary traditions, and they are traditionally eaten on New Year's Day for good luck and prosperity. Nutritionally, cooking them with a small amount of fat helps the body absorb their fat-soluble vitamins, making the dish both culturally significant and nutritionally synergistic.