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Greens are essential to the Soul Food diet. Seasoned and boiled greens of the Soul Food variety go back to West African traditions. The type of green that is popular to Black and country folks depends on their geography. Growing up, it was common for mother and other female family members to prepare turnip or mustard greens. Neither of these is my favorite. I was disgusted by greens until well into my twenties when I was introduced to collards perfectly cooked with smoked turkey and other seasonings when living in Florida a few years back. Yum!

I am a fan of greens now and will even take a few bites of turnip or mustard when offered. The traditional “greens” originate from the cabbage plant and have grown in Africa, Europe, and North America for centuries. It’s important to me that I eat several types of different leafy greens to ensure that I am taking advantage of the variety of nutrients they deliver.

Leafy greens are rich in nutrients. Not only do they provide texture and fiber dishes they are also low in calories and filled with vitamins and minerals, like vitamin A and vitamin C. My favorite collard greens are also rich in vitamin A and C, as well as folate and vitamin K and E. They are nutritious and delicious! Pair a “mess o’ greens” with some beans and cornbread and you’ve got a delicious, inexpensive, and nutrient-dense meal!

The history of greens in black families is as rich as the flavor of the tender and tasty leaves. The traditional style of preparing greens in this cooked down fashion often incorporates minimal meat, from ham hocks or smoked turkey to flavor the dish and to also increase the nutritional value of a dish often meant to feed large families. Greens prepared in this fashion are now a Soul Food delicacy but for many black families, this dish was a common-sense way to stretch high-value animal ingredients by adding them to leafy greens that were more readily available and grown in most gardens.

I discovered some interesting insight into the history of greens at the National Museum of African American History and Culture during our recent May trip. Check out the pics! https://www.si.edu/museums/african-american-museum