Perella Lettuce
Estimated Inventory, head : 0
Description/Taste
Perella lettuce is small to medium in size, averaging 15-18 centimeters in diameter, and grows in loose, open rosettes. The smooth, broad leaves have many wrinkles and folds and are green with dark red coloring on the leaf tips. As the leaves mature, the red hues along the edges will darken to a deep burgundy. The leaves also connect to a crunchy and juicy, blanched, pale green to white heart. Perella lettuce is crisp, tender, velvety, and sweet with a mild, slight mineral finish.
Seasons/Availability
Perella lettuce is available year-round.
Current Facts
Perella lettuce, botanically classified as Lactuca sativa, is a loose-leaf butterhead variety that belongs to the Asteraceae family. Also known as Red Perella, Italian Red Perella, and Perella Rougette de Montpellier, Perella lettuce is an old, annual heirloom that can grow up to seventeen centimeters in height and can be harvested as baby lettuce or as a mature head. Somewhat rare to find, Perella lettuce is favored by home chefs for its crisp, velvety texture and is most commonly used in fresh preparations such as salad.
Nutritional Value
Perella lettuce contains some vitamin A, potassium, iron, calcium, manganese, and phosphorus.
Applications
Perella lettuce is best suited for raw applications as its velvety, buttery leaves are showcased when used fresh. The heads of lettuce can be sliced in half, lightly grilled, and served as an individual salad or the leaves can be torn or sliced and paired with fruit, cheeses, and dressings. Perella lettuce can also be used to wrap tacos, meats, and vegetables, lightly braised and served with peas, mixed into pasta, or served in soups. Perella lettuce pairs well with cherries, mandarins, apples, avocado, tomatoes, carrots, radish, fennel, corn, parmesan cheese, feta cheese, pistachios, oregano, dill, tarragon, parsley, chives, honey, bacon, poultry, shrimp, beef, and yogurt. The leaves will keep up to one week when wrapped in paper towels and stored in the crisper drawer of the refrigerator.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Perella is a favorite lettuce variety to grow in home gardens in Europe as it is suitable for cooler climates, grows rapidly, requires little maintenance, and can be grown year-round. It is most commonly served fresh in salad form with bright ingredients such as olive oil, lemon, chives, chervil, and parsley or is used as edible serving cups.
Geography/History
Perella lettuce is an Italian heirloom variety native to Europe that thrives in the rolling red earthen clay soils where limestone is found. Today Perella lettuce can be found at local farmers markets, specialty grocers, and in home gardens in Europe, Asia, North America, and Australia.
