Produce Briefs...
Mangosteen
The Purple mangosteen, botanical name Garcinia magostana, simply referred to as mangosteen, is an ultra-tropical slow growing evergreen tree that is cultivated for its edible fruit.
Spring Onions
Spring onions are most often utilized raw. The whole onion can be flash blanched and grilled, which brings out more the robust and sweet elements of the onions, and makes them a bolder pair for fish and meats
Seasons/Availability
Baby Romaine lettuce is available the year round.
Current Facts
Romaine lettuce, AKA Cos, is the botanical name given to a wide variety of lettuces. Lettuce is categorized into six different types, also known as subspecies or botanical varieties. The six types of lettuce are Crisphead (Iceberg and Batavian), Romaine, Butter, Latin, Leaf and Stem. All lettuce types except for Iceberg occur in red and green leaf form. The word lettuce itself comes from the Latin lactuca, which is derived from lactus, meaning “milk”. The milk in this sense refers to the milky substance that appears when lettuce leaves are torn or cut from the plant. Although this does not happen with all lettuce types, it is very typical of Romaine lettuces.
Description/Taste
Baby Romain lettuce is the most upright growing of all lettuce types. Baby Romaine leaves grow erectly and tightly to form an elongated head. Its outer leaves have lime colors while its inner leaves are yellow to creamy. Its blanched heart becomes translucent white at its core. Baby Romaine lettuce has more texture than flavor. Its leaves are crunchy and succulent with a mild flavor that allows Romaine lettuce to be a very versatile culinary green and multipurpose ingredient in the kitchen.
Applications
Romaine lettuce is the quintessential Caesar salad green, yet its uses are not limited to being paired with creamy anchovy dressing, Parmesan cheese and croutons. It can replace Iceberg lettuce atop burgers and sandwiches. It also withstands high heat which makes it suitable for grilling and adding to soups and stir fries. Complimentary ingredients include olive oil, citrus, avocado, chiles, garlic, apples, pears, aged and strong cheeses, olives, grilled steak, smoked fish and chicken, bacon, dried fruit and nuts.
Geography/History
Romaine lettuce is named for the eternal city of Rome as it is believed to have originally been discovered by the Romans on the Aegean Island of Cos. It is documented as being the oldest known cultivated lettuce, having been grown for at least 5,000 years. It is a cool-season crop, as are most lettuce varieties, thriving in rich organic soil and climates with warm days and cool nights. Romaine lettuce is best harvested once the leaves are at least four to six inches in length.
Featured Restaurants
Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.
| Convention Center East | San Diego CA | 619-525-5832 |
| Paradise Point Resort Baleen | San Diego CA | 858-490-6363 |
| Real Food & Spirits | Solana Beach CA | 858-793-7325 |
| Vi At La Jolla Village | San Diego CA | 858-646-7700 |
| Red Door Restaurant & Wine Bar | San Diego CA | 619-295-6000 |
| Blue Water Seafood Market and Grill | San Diego CA | 619-497-0914 |
| Estancia Adobe | San Diego CA | 858-550-1000 |
| Jake's Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 858-755-2002 |
| La Valencia | San Diego CA | 858-551-3750 |
| Gabardine | San Diego CA | 619-398-9810 |
| Rancho Valencia | Del Mar CA | 858-756-1123 |
| Davanti Enoteca | San Diego CA | 858-519-5060 |
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Baby Green Romaine Lettuce. One
is easiest, three is harder.| Bitchin Camero |
|
Steak & Tofu Lettuce Wraps with Bulgur Salad |
| Under the High Chair |
|
Sesame Beef Lettuce Wraps |
