Baby Green Oak Leaf
Estimated Inventory, 2 lb : 0
This item was last sold on : 12/23/24
Description/Taste
Green Oak Leaf lettuce is medium to large in size, growing in an elongated, rosette shape, and is narrow and small at the base fanning out to a wide, curly, loose top. The deeply lobed leaves connect to a central base, branch out in all directions, and are tender, smooth, and broad with many curls and frills. The edges of the leaves are bright green which fades into a white or pale green at the center where a juicy, crunchy stalk resides. Green Oak Leaf lettuce is firm and crisp and has a sweet or bitter smell when the stalk is scratched, depending on the specific variety. The leaves have a mild, sweet, and nutty flavor, and with age, some bitterness may become present in the mature leaves.
Seasons/Availability
Green Oak Leaf lettuce is available year-round.
Current Facts
Green Oak Leaf lettuce, botanically classified as Lactuca sativa, is the general name provided for dozens of varieties that produce semi-frilled, loose-leaf lettuces and are members of the Asteraceae family. Earning its name from the resemblance to an oak leaf, Green Oak Leaf lettuce is a type of butter lettuce that can grow up to thirty centimeters in height and is one of the most commonly planted lettuces in the world. Favored for its cut-and-come-again nature, which allows the lettuce to continue growing new leaves as the outer leaves are harvested, Green Oak Leaf lettuce is extremely versatile and is used by both chefs and home cooks in a wide variety of fresh culinary applications.
Nutritional Value
Green Oak Leaf lettuce is a good source of vitamins A, C, and K, and folate.
Applications
Green Oak Leaf lettuce is best suited for fresh applications and is most commonly paired with other lettuces and greens such as red butter, romaine, radicchio, arugula and frisee for textural contrasts and varying flavors. The combined greens serve as an edible vessel to ingredients of diverse flavors from rich to bright, earthy, savory, and sweet. Green Oak Leaf lettuce can also be used in wraps, sandwiches, fresh rolls, and tacos, or used as a bed for cooked meats, stir-fries, and grilled fish. Green Oak Leaf lettuce pairs well with avocado, citrus, berries, mushrooms, root vegetables, red peppers, carrots, cucumbers, tomatoes, green onions, garlic, shallots, ginger, bulgur, wheat, poultry, fish, bacon, and herbs such as cilantro, mint, coriander, and turmeric. The leaves will keep up to ten days when wrapped in paper towels and stored in a sealed container in the crisper drawer of the refrigerator. It is also important to store the lettuce away from fruits such as bananas, apples, and pears as they release a natural gas which causes the lettuce to wilt.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Green Oak Leaf lettuce is often harvested as baby lettuce and incorporated into salad mixes for its tender texture and mild flavor. It is also a favorite lettuce to use as a border in home gardens as it is resistant to bolting, easy to grow, and can grow in small spaces. In addition to culinary use, Green Oak Leaf lettuce has been used by villages in Europe as a diuretic as it is mild and easy on the digestive system.
Geography/History
Oak Leaf lettuces are native to and were first cultivated in France from what was originally considered a weed found growing wild. The first early reference to Oak Leaf lettuce was in Acetaria, which was a book written in 1699 by John Evelyn that may indicate Oak Leaf lettuces had arrived in England before the 18th century. Oak Leaf lettuce was then introduced commercially under the name “Feuille de Chene” in 1771 by the French seed company Vilmorin. Today Green Oak Leaf lettuce can be found at supermarkets, farmers markets, and specialty grocers in North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia.
Featured Restaurants
Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.
| Nobu | San Diego CA | 619-814-4124 |
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Baby Green Oak Leaf. One
is easiest, three is harder.| Shutterbean |
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Persimmon & Butter Lettuce Salad |
| Hobby Farms |
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Chilled Lettuce-Buttermilk Soup |
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Thai Beef Salad with Herbs |
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Chicken Piccata Salad |
