In the world of vegetables, one rarely hears of someone claiming the collard as their favorite.
But a local group of produce experts is hoping to raise the lowly collard s profile, in hopes that people will embrace it, plant it, cultivate it and cook it.
During a nationwide and virtual event, collards are the center of attention in Gainesville for a week of education and fun.
In collaboration with the Culinary Breeding Network, The Heirloom Collard Project is putting together a four-day celebration, with guest speakers, which runs through Thursday.
“Any real southerner will tell you that collards are like the best vegetable,” said Melissa DeSa, community programs director at Working Food. “Part of the fascination is that they have a long history here in Gainesville.”