Callaloo vs. Collard Greens: Are They the Same?

Written by Em Casalena
Updated: November 21, 2022
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Callaloo and collard greens are quite similar species, and they are both very much loved in cuisine. Both of these plants have edible foliage that does great in stews. They’re both favorites around the world in various types of cultural cuisines. But is there actually a difference between them?

You might be surprised to know that collard greens and callaloo are extremely different plants, complete with their own classifications, uses, and origins. In this guide, we’ll explore all of the interesting differences between these two beloved vegetables. With these differences in mind, it’s worth noting that both collard greens and callaloo are excellent plants to grow in your garden, as they have similar care conditions.

Comparing Callaloo vs. Collard Greens

CallalooCollard Greens
ClassificationAmaranthus tricolorBrassica oleracea var. virdis
Alternative NamesTri-Colored Amaranth, Chinese Spinach, Floramor, Joseph’s CoatCollards, Colewort
OriginAsia, the CaribbeanAsia, the Mediterranian
DescriptionAn annual plant with bright foliage that is used as a crop in the Caribbean.A loose-leaf variety of brassica oleracea that has been grown as a crop around the world for over 2,000 years.
UsesCuisineCuisine
Growth TipsRequires well-draining soil and a reduced amount of sunlight in the afternoon to thrive.Requires full sun and very fertile soil that drains wells.
Interesting FeaturesIs vibrant in color and requires very little maintenance.Is the oldest leafy member of the cabbage family and was grown by the ancient Greeks.

The Key Differences Between Callaloo and Collard Greens

Collard greens and callaloo are extremely different plants. The only real similarity they have is that they are used for similar dishes, but the differences between those dishes are also noteworthy.

Although the cuisine of callaloo and collard greens is similar, they are still very different. Southern stewed collard greens are comparable to stewed callaloo. The greens of both plants are beautifully soft and supple since the vegetables are cooked on the stovetop slowly and on low heat. However, callaloo is a vegetarian dish while most stewed collard green recipes largely rely on bacon and other meats.

Callaloo and collard greens are very different in terms of appearance. Callaloo is extremely colorful, with foliage that contains a mix of green, yellow, red, and purple leaves. There’s a reason why its Latin name is amaranthus tricolor. Collard greens only have green foliage.

There are also some notable differences between collard greens and callaloo when it comes to nutrition. Callaloo has higher vitamin K, vitamin c, folate, manganese, iron, potassium, copper, magnesium, and calcium than amaranth leaves in general. However, compared to callaloo, collard greens contain substantially less folate and are higher in vitamin A.

Callaloo vs. Collard Greens: Classification

Although they are both similar plants, collard greens and callaloo belong to entirely distinct species. Collard greens are classified as brassica oleracea var. virdis, while callaloo is classified as amaranthus tricolor. Greenstripe, pigweed, and several other amaranthus species are all related to callaloo. Wild cabbage, rapini, and field mustard are all relatives of collard greens. Collard greens are regarded as belonging to the same species as cabbage, broccoli, kale, cauliflower, and other members of the brassica oleracea species.

Callaloo vs. Collard Greens: Description

Callaloo refers to both the green leafy vegetable as well as the dish that is made from the vegetable, which is also known as stewed callaloo. Annual callaloos are distinguished more by their vividly colored leaves than by their flowers. Many regions of the world produce this plant as an edible crop. Callaloo is a two-foot-tall plant that is grown for both its leaves and grains. This plant is renowned for having extremely colorful foliage with red, yellow, green, and purple overtones. They germinate easily from seed and are tolerant of hot weather, dry conditions, and poor soil.

An annual vegetable plant known as collard greens is frequently produced for food purposes. You can harvest the oblong, dark-green leaves at any point during the growing season. This is the ideal cool-weather performer since it can withstand light frost. Its mildly bitter flavor makes it a fantastic addition to soups and stews as well as prepared side dishes. When mature, collard greens will reach a height of around three feet.

Trinidadian-style stew made with callaloo greens

Callaloo can be used to make soups and stews, such as the traditional Trinidadian callaloo sweet potato stew (pictured).

©Content zilla/Shutterstock.com

Callaloo vs. Collard Greens: Uses

Callaloo is mainly used for cuisine, though this bright and colorful plant would also do well as an ornamental plant. The vitamins, minerals, and amino acids in this plant are abundant. Stewed callaloo, a soup made with young callaloo leaves, onions, and a variety of other vegetables, is the main dish that it is used to make. Callaloo seeds are also edible and make a great snack.

Callaloo is less well-known in the culinary world than collard greens, which are also highly popular in the United States. They have thick stems that must be removed before eating and dark green leaves that are edible. Collards have a flavor that is a cross between Swiss chard and hearty kale. Because the robust leaves can withstand extended cooking times, they are frequently used in Southern braises and stews. Recent years have seen a rise in the usage of collard greens as wraps for plant-based meals.

Callaloo vs. Collard Greens: Origin

Callaloo originated in tropical Asia. It is the most significant amaranthus species and one of the most common leaf vegetables in south and southeast Asia, as well as the Caribbean. It was domesticated in the prehistoric era, and the identity of the wild predecessor is unknown. Occasionally, weedy callaloo plants might be discovered in the wild.

Although many believe that collard greens originated in Africa, collard greens actually originated in the eastern Mediterranean. The wild, prehistoric cabbages that have been found in the Mediterranean and Asia Minor regions for more than 2,000 years are related to the cultivated collard greens of today. Their acceptance as a common dish in American culture, however, has deep roots in African-American history.

Collard greens growing in a field.

Collard greens (pictured), unlike callaloo, require full sun or very light shade.

©iStock.com/Wirestock

Callaloo vs. Collard Greens: How to Grow

Callaloo grows well in full sun to partial shade on wet, medium, well-drained soils. In warm summer areas, this plant benefits from some afternoon shade. Start indoor seedlings six to eight weeks before the final day for frost, or buy starter plants. After the final frost date, plant your callaloo seedlings outside. Place callaloo plants eight inches apart for smaller species and up to 18 inches apart for larger varieties. For sowing the next year, callaloo seeds can be collected from garden plants, or in the late summer, cuttings can be obtained from favored plants. Most diseases do not affect this plant, however, aphids can be a problem. The need for well-draining soils arises from the fact that callaloo is vulnerable to root rot in poorly-draining soils.

Make sure to plant your collard greens far apart because they can get quite large. Individual plants should be placed roughly 18 inches apart when planted in rows. This quick-growing vegetable plant is an annual, so it will flourish in your garden for one season before dying after bearing fruit. It thrives in either full sun or light shade. It thrives in moderate to evenly wet environments, although it cannot stand water. In times of drought or prolonged heat, collard greens may need additional irrigation. It is not picky about pH or soil type. It can tolerate some degree of city pollution. In addition to being a wonderful choice for the vegetable garden, collard greens are also suitable for use in outdoor pots and containers. It should be placed close to the middle of the pot, surrounded by smaller plants and those that spill over the edges. Collard is even big enough to grow by itself in the right container. Remember that all plants may need more frequent watering in outdoor containers and baskets than they would in the yard or garden.

Callaloo vs. Collard Greens: Special Features

No species of the amaranthus genus, including callaloo, are known to be poisonous. However, callaloo is known to concentrate nitrates in their leaves when grown in soils high in nitrogen. It is not known to grow in really wild conditions, despite the fact that this widely cultivated plant. With that said, callaloo occasionally ekes out on cultivated land, flood plains, roadsides, and wasteland. One can consume callaloo leaves either raw or cooked.

The oldest leafy green in the cabbage family, collard greens date back 2,000 years and are said to have been cultivated by the Greeks and Romans. Collard greens are additionally linked to cancer prevention, detox support, anti-inflammatory characteristics, heart health, and digestive support.

With all of the differences between callaloo and collard greens in mind, both of these plants would make an excellent addition to your home garden. They are both quite hardy and do well in a variety of conditions. Why not grow them both?

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The photo featured at the top of this post is © chantel/Shutterstock.com


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About the Author

Em Casalena is a writer at A-Z Animals where their primary focus is on plants, gardening, and sustainability. Em has been writing and researching about plants for nearly a decade and is a proud Southwest Institute of Healing Arts graduate and certified Urban Farming instructor. Em is a resident of Arizona and enjoys learning about eco-conscious living, thrifting at local shops, and caring for their Siamese cat Vladimir.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

Can callaloo and collard greens be used for the same dishes?

Collard greens and callaloo each have their own distinct recipes, though stewed collard greens and stewed callaloo are quite similar.

What kind of plant is callaloo?

Callaloo is a type of leafy green vegetable that is popular in Caribbean cuisine.

Is there a difference between callaloo and collard greens?

Yes. Callaloo is from the amaranthus family, while collard greens are from the brassica oleracea family.

Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us? Contact the AZ Animals editorial team.

Sources
  1. NCSU (North Carolina State University), Available here: https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/amaranthus-tricolor/
  2. NCSU (North Carolina State University), Available here: https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/brassica-oleracea-acephala-group/
  3. TLC Garden Centers, Available here: https://plants.tlcgarden.com/12170006/Plant/28224/Collard_Greens/