Question regarding Collards

[aquaman]

This is the first year that I have grown collards. What are the best indications that the plant is ready to be picked? I have some that have been planted for two months and look ready but I am not sure. Please help!!

[TygrBright]

1. Pick a leaf or two...

...take 'em in the kitchen, saute 'em in a little bacon grease, sprinkle some cider vinegar over 'em, and eat 'em. If they taste good, go out and pick the rest!

helpfully,
Bright

[spinbaby]

2. Alternative plan

Saute 'em with olive oil and garlic.

[BOSSHOG]

3. Wow, talk of sauteing collards

is making me hungry. I'm down to peppers and Brocolli down here in South Mississippi but I do love Collards

[unc70]

4. Best after the first "killing" frost or freeze

My mother's rule. She raised her own until she was nearly 90 and was of the opinion that the key to good collards was selecting and picking at the right time. I learned from her and mine are pretty good, but I don't grow them so I am at the mercy of the stores and farmer's markets. After the frost, the collards aren't as stringy, tough, or bitter. I like them with a bit of hot pepper vinegar.

The Whole Foods in Chapel Hill serves rather good vegan collards. Had them earlier this week.

[Gormy Cuss]

5. A frost "kiss" does improve the flavor of the heavier greens like collards

and it also improves the flavor of brussel sprouts and broccoli IMO.

As to the OP's question, collards can be eaten as soon as the leaves are big enough to pick although the flavor and texture won't be as good.