Chard also called Swiss chard, one of the four cultivated forms of the plant Beta vulgaris of the amaranth family (Amaranthaceae), grown for its edible leaves and leafstalks. Fresh chard is highly perishable and difficult to ship to distant markets. The young leaves can be eaten raw in salads, while larger leaves and stalks are commonly sautéed or served in soups. Chard is a good source of vitamin A and vitamin C and is popular as a home-garden vegetable because of its ease of culture, productiveness, and tolerance to moderately hot weather.