Produce Briefs...
Wasabi
Wasabi is a perennial and a member of the Cruciferae family. It is grown mainly for its underground rhizome (tuber) which produces branch-less, edible leaves above ground. A mature wasabi root is firm, cylindrical, brown and green-skinned and tapered.
Green Shishito Chile Peppers
Japanese peppers are mildly spicy and most often prepared cooked. Saute peppers in olive oil, over high heat, until they just begin to blister- serve hot, sprinkled with sea salt.
Seasons/Availability
Baby Red Oak lettuce is available year round.
Current Facts
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. Butterhead lettuces are known for their compact heads, their leaf texture and their mellow flavor. There are several Red Oak lettuce varieties, varying in shape, frill, color and flavor. Some variety names include Cobham, Oscarde, Danyelle, Paradai, Red Coral and Vulcan.
Description/Taste
As its name suggests, Red Oak leaf lettuce has the appearance of aging ruby oak leaves - elongated, lobed and loosely serrated. The vibrant burgundy stained leaves form a semi-tight rosette, growing upward and outward. Red Oak Leaf lettuce has a buttery texture and an incredibly mellow, nutty and sweet flavor. It is known for its sweetness, which may be an even more memorable quality than its attractive foliage.
Applications
Lettuces are a quintessential staple to have on rotation in the crisper. Red Oak leaf lettuce offers variety and is especially favored in spring and summer recipes. It is a great salad mix green, offering pleasing color and texture for both visual and mouth appeal. The leaves need very little to no manipulation to showcase their best attributes, buttery texture and sweet flavor. Complimentary pairings include light bodied and citrus forward dressings, fresh and aged cheeses, apples, berries, stone fruit and persimmons, herbs including basil, mint and tarragon, garlic, shallots, nuts, dried fruit and other salad greens of varying textures and flavor such as Frisee, Arugula, Mizuna and Romaine.
Geography/History
Oak Leaf lettuces was first cultivated in France from what was originally considered a weed found growing wild. There is the very early reference to Red Oak Leaf Lettuce by Evelyn in Acetaria (1699) that may indicate Oak Leaf lettuces had arrived in England prior to the 18th Century. Red Oak Leaf Lettuce was introduced commercially under the name “Feuille de Chene” in 1771 by the French seed company Vilmorin.
Featured Restaurants
Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.
| Bertrand at Mr A's | San Diego CA | 619-239-1377 |
| Bali Hai Restaurant | San Diego CA | 619-222-1181 |
| LaCasse Maritime | Bothell WA | 206 545 2201 |
| Carnitas Snack Shack | San Diego CA | 619-294-7675 |
| Jake's Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 858-755-2002 |
| Rancho Valencia | Del Mar CA | 858-756-1123 |
| Nobu | San Diego CA | 619-814-4124 |
| Pamplemousse Grill | Solana Beach CA | 858-792-9090 |
| The Lion Share | San Diego CA | 619-564-6924 |
| Georges at the Cove | San Diego CA | 858-454-4244 |
| Bishop School | San Diego CA | 858-459-4021 x212 |
| Davanti Enoteca | San Diego CA | 858-519-5060 |
| Andaz San Diego | San Diego CA | 619-814-2026 |
| Aztec Shops Catering | San Diego CA | 619-594-7641 |
| Roy's La Jolla | San Diego CA | 858-455-1616 |
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Baby Red Oak Leaf Lettuce. One
is easiest, three is harder.Recently Spotted
People have spotted Baby Red Oak Leaf Lettuce using the Specialty Produce app for iPhone and Android.
Produce Spotting allows you to share your produce discoveries with your neighbors and the world! Is your market carrying green dragon apples? Is a chef doing things with shaved fennel that are out of this world? Pinpoint your location annonymously through the Specialty Produce App and let others know about unique flavors that are around them.
|
Asda Bradford Near Bradford, United Kingdom About 129 days ago, 2/10/13 Spotter's comments : In a trio Raya at The Ritz-Carlton Near Dana Point, California, United States About 176 days ago, 12/25/12 Spotter's comments : Holiday brunch at the Ritz! Build your own salad with local oak leaf lettuces, delish! |
