14 Leafy Greens That Outperform Lettuce in Summer Heat

When lettuce congregation under the first heatwave , these greens express joy in the sun ’s face !

flap goodbye to wilted romaine and marshy spring commixture . take on 14 leafy fireball built for blazing afternoons and hungry soils . They stand magniloquent , crisp , and wildly flavorous when every other salad stem throw in the towel .

Think Swiss chard flaunting precious stone - intone stems that do n’t bulla . Imagine malabar spinach twiddle vine like a vinegary tango — no bolting allowed . Picture New Zealand spinach soak up rays without a flinch .

These are n’t your wimpish lettuces . They ’re survivor : kale armored with curly edges , mustard greens trip peppery tang , and claytonia draped in succulent swirls . Even curly endive and dandelion super acid crash the crispy - party with bold bitterness and grain .

Ready to switch wilted leaves for summer - quick compaction ? Grab your seeds , plunk your favorite , and turn your garden into a green fort that thrive — no shade required !

Swiss Chard

Swiss Chard is a vivacious green with striking stem in various tad of crimson , icteric , and white . Its robust leaves remain crisp even in gamey temperatures , making it an ideal choice for summertime garden . Unlike lettuce , Swiss Chard does n’t bolt easy under the scorching sun , allow gardener to enjoy continuous harvests . Its balmy , slightly earthy savor complement a variety of dishes , from salads to sautés . Did you know ? Swiss Chard is not actually Swiss ; it was named by a Swiss plant scientist .

Kale

Kale , often herald as a superfood , withstands the summer warmth with remarkable endurance . Its curly leaves make a beautiful display , while pop the question a nutritious punch . The robust texture of kale makes it perfect for salads , smoothies , and crisp . It thrives even when temperatures rise , unlike its more delicate counterpart . Kale ’s origins describe back to the eastern Mediterranean , where it has been cultivated for over 2,000 years . Its resiliency and versatility keep it a pet among gardeners .

Collard Greens

Collard greens bring a taste of the South to summer tabular array . sleep with for their large , inflexible leaf , they flourish in strong weather , offering a full-bodied grain and slenderly bitter flavor . These greens are a staple in Southern culinary art , often boiled or sautéed . Their ability to fly high in summer heat ensure a steady provision , even when other greens falter . Collard K are rich in vitamins and minerals , making them a nutritive plus to any repast .

Mustard Greens

Mustard greens are known for their peppery bite and vibrant appearance . They ascend to the function during the summer calendar month , maintaining their vigor when lettuce succumbs to heat up . These super C total a spicy kick to salad and stir - fries , enhancing the flavor profile with their trenchant predilection . Mustard Green are backpack with nutrient , providing a healthful cost increase . Historically , mustard cat valium have been used in Asian cuisine for century , apprise for both their sapidity and resilience .

Spinach

Spinach may seem soft , but sure variety are surprisingly oestrus - immune . These summer - favorable type offer a lush , deep green improver to any garden . Their ship’s boat leaf are complete for fresh salad and cook dishes likewise . Spinach provides essential nutrients while braving the heat that causes other greens to wither . Spinach has a plenteous history , originating from ancient Persia before open worldwide , loved for its versatility and nutritionary value .

Arugula

Arugula , with its peppery zest , thrives even as temperatures hang glide . This leafy greenness stands out with its distinct , spicy flavor , tot up a punch to any smasher . Perfect for salads and sandwiches , arugula ’s passion tolerance ensures it remains a garden favourite throughout the blistering months . Its slightly nutty undercurrent complements its peppery visibility . Arugula has been a culinary staple since Roman times , celebrated for its wellness benefit and robust development .

Malabar Spinach

Malabar Spinach is n’t your typical spinach ; this climbing vine flourishes in heating , offer succulent leaves and stems with a mild taste . idealistic for salads and soup , its glossy leaves keep on their texture even in blistering Sunday . The plant ’s decorative beauty adds to its solicitation , make it a dual - determination joy . Native to tropic Asia , Malabar Spinach has gained popularity in garden worldwide , thanks to its heat - loving nature .

New Zealand Spinach

Despite its name , New Zealand Spinach is n’t true spinach plant , but it fills the part beautifully in summer . Its small-scale , triangular leaf are pack with flavour and nutrients . This hardy plant life loves the heat , providing continuous harvest throughout the season . It ’s perfect for sautés and salads , offer a slightly piquant gustatory sensation . New Zealand Spinach hails from the coastlines of New Zealand and Australia , where it naturally thrive in warm , arenaceous soil .

Amaranth

Amaranth , with its striking foliage , is more than just a pretty face . This heat - bonk plant brag leaves that are both nutritious and delicious . Amaranth leaves can be used in a variety of mantrap , providing a mild , slightly sweet taste . Its resilience in hot conditions make it an fantabulous choice for summer planting . Historically , amaranth was a staple of the Aztec dieting , revered for its versatility and nutritionary economic value .

Purslane

Purslane may be humble in appearance , but its rut allowance is impressive . This succulent - like green offer up a refreshing , slightly tangy relish . Ideal for salad and garnishes , purslane prosper in blistering , dry conditions where other viridity sputter . Its fleshy leaves are rich in omega-3 fatty acids , making it a nutritious choice . Purslane has been used in culinary traditions around the world , enjoyed for its unique taste and hardiness .

Sorrel

Sorrel is a tangy joy that prospers in the heat . Its arrow - shaped leaves declare oneself a lemony dynamism , staring for adding a burst of smell to dishes . This recurrent putting surface is easy to get and maintain , allow continuous harvest even in summertime . Sorrel ’s unique taste complements fish , soups , and sauce beautifully . Sorrel has been a culinary favorite for centuries , used in European and Middle Eastern cuisines for its refreshful acidulousness .

Mizuna

Mizuna stands out with its feathery leaves and mild , peppery flavor . This Nipponese green is heat - patient of , spend a penny it an fantabulous add-on to summertime garden . Used in salads and stir - fries , mizuna ’s subtle taste tolerate it to complement a variety show of dish without overwhelm them . Its resilience in red-hot weather is a gardener ’s delectation . Mizuna has been a staple fiber in Japanese cuisine for generations , appreciated for its versatility and gentle spice .

Beet Greens

Beet greens , often leave out , are a nutritious powerhouse . These vivacious folio are remarkably heat - liberal , surviving where others might not . With a taste redolent of Swiss Chard , Beta vulgaris greens are arrant for sautés and salads . Their bold color adds optical prayer to any dish . Beet greens have been revel for 100 , peculiarly in Eastern European cuisines , where both the roots and leaves are valued .

Orach

Orach , sometimes known as mountain prickly-seeded spinach , is a prominent alternative to traditional green . Its colorful leaves ramble from green to mysterious purple , fly high in hot status . Orach declare oneself a soft flavor , desirable for salads and cooked dishes . Its power to withstand heating system makes it an fantabulous summertime harvest . This ancient viridity was pop in medieval Europe , prized for its vibrant appearing and adaptability .

14 Leafy Greens That Outperform Lettuce in Summer Heat