This commodity profile was rendered from
knowledge.domain = commodity, key = cmd_00160(GDF v2.1.1, ? attributes, 29 sections).Renderer:
commodity_profile_rendererv1.0.0. Source row version:knowledge_forge_gdf_v2.1.1_tier2_cmd_00160.
Identity & Botany
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Canonical name | Red Chard |
| Scientific name | Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris |
| Family / Genus | Amaranthaceae / — |
| Produce category | Leafy Green |
| Produce subcategory | Chard |
| FSMA 204 covered? | No |
| PLU — conventional | 4591 |
| AGROVOC URI | c_1399 |
Source: GDF v2.1.1 s01_identity. External: FAO AGROVOC.
Varieties
Estimated commercial varieties: 12.
| Variety | Market share | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rhubarb Chard | 35% | The classic red chard, known for its vibrant, deep red stems and dark green, slightly savoyed leaves. Offers excellent flavor and robust vigor. Widely adapted to various growing conditions. |
| Ruby Red | 25% | Often used interchangeably with Rhubarb Chard, this variety features deep ruby-red stems and veins with dark green leaves. Valued for both baby leaf and mature greens production, offering good heat to |
| Vulcan | 15% | Distinguished by its intense, uniform red color in both stems and leaf veins. Exhibits good bolt resistance and vigorous, upright growth, making it a favorite for market growers. |
| Charlotte | 10% | A productive and reliable variety with strong, upright growth. Features bright red stems and dark green leaves. Known for good heat tolerance and consistent quality. |
| Scarlet Charm | 5% | A compact variety with brilliant scarlet stems and dark green leaves. Excellent for baby leaf production, container gardening, and has good cold tolerance, maintaining color well. |
Source: GDF v2.1.1 s04_varieties.variety_summaries.
Post-Harvest Handling
Temperature
- Chilling injury threshold: null°F.
- Freezing point: 31.1°F. Hard limit.
- Handling urgency: 4 / 5.
Ethylene
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Production class | very_low |
| Production rate (20°C) | 0.05 uL/kg/hr typical (0.01–0.1) |
| Sensitivity class | high |
| Sensitivity threshold | 0.1 ppm |
| Climacteric? | No |
Agent note: Keep away from ethylene-producing commodities (e.g., apples, tomatoes, melons) to prevent premature yellowing and decay.
Mixed-load compatibility
Ethylene-sensitive, high humidity requiring
Operational flags
- Can be top-iced? Yes
- Light-sensitive? No
Source: GDF v2.1.1 s07_harvest_post_harvest.
Market Intelligence
Demand
Steady growth, driven by health-conscious consumers and culinary versatility. Strong demand in foodservice and retail.
Elasticity
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Price elasticity | -0.6 |
| Income elasticity | 0.3 |
| Organic premium elasticity | -0.8 |
Market share by variety
| Variety | Share |
|---|---|
| Red Chard | 35% |
| Green Swiss Chard | 40% |
| Rainbow Chard | 25% |
Pack sizes
- 12 ct. cases
- 24 ct. cases
- 1.5 lb bags (retail)
- 5 lb bulk cartons
Source: GDF v2.1.1 s09_market_intelligence.
Rendered by commodity_profile_renderer v1.0.0 on 2026-05-15T23:50:00.000Z.