Red Leaf
Estimated Inventory, 24 ct : 3.09
This item was last sold on : 11/22/24
Description/Taste
Red Leaf lettuce is small to medium in size and grows in an elongated shape with a narrow base that fans out to a wide, curly, loose top. The leaves connect to a central stalk, branch out in all directions, and are tender, smooth, and broad with many curls and frills. The edges of the leaves are dark burgundy to red and as the leaf transitions into the juicy stalk the red fades to pale-green and white. Red Leaf lettuce is crisp and has a sweet or bitter smell when the stalk is scratched. The leaves will also have an earthy, mildly sweet or semi-bitter flavor with subtle notes of hazelnut. The bitterness often occurs in maturing leaves versus young leaves.
Seasons/Availability
Red Leaf lettuce is available year-round.
Current Facts
Red 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. Red Leaf lettuces can grow up to thirty centimeters in height and are one of the most commonly planted lettuces in the world. Favored for its vibrant colors, which is attributed to anthocyanins, a pigment found in all red colored food plants and for its cut-and-come-again nature which allows the lettuce to continue growing new leaves as the outer leaves are harvested, Red Leaf lettuce is extremely versatile and is used in a wide variety of culinary applications.
Nutritional Value
Red Leaf lettuce contains vitamins A, C, and K, calcium, iron, and anthocyanins which contain health-boosting antioxidants that have anti-inflammatory properties.
Applications
Red Leaf lettuces are best suited for both raw and cooked applications such as braising, boiling, and sautéing. When used fresh, the leaves can be torn or sliced and used as a crunchy element in a salad, layered in burgers or sandwiches such as French dips and croque-monsieur, or used as a bed for meatloaf, chicken salad, stir-fries, and slow braised meats and grilled fish. Red Leaf lettuce can also be used to wrap summer rolls, tabbouleh, and mushroom burgers or used for tacos. When cooked, Red Leaf lettuce can be braised and paired with seasonal vegetables and meats or is often incorporated into soups. Red Leaf lettuce pairs well with arugula, dijon mustard, garlic, shallots, cumin, parsley, chervil, mandarin oranges, pears, carrots, walnuts, and almonds. The leaves will keep up to ten days when wrapped in paper towels and stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator. It is 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
Red Leaf lettuce is a favorite variety in Europe, both in the commercial marketplace and home gardens, as it can be grown in small spaces, is heat resistant, slow to bolt, and is fast growing. In Europe, Red Leaf lettuce is commonly mixed into summer soups or is braised with green peas to create a sweet and nutty side dish.
Geography/History
Red Leaf lettuce was first described in 1753 by Carl Linnaeus in the second volume of his Species Plantarum and is native to Europe. Favored by seasoned gardeners, Red Leaf lettuce flourished heavily in the late 19th and early 20th centuries and 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.
| La Jolla Country Club | San Diego CA | 858-454-9601 |
| Bishop School | San Diego CA | 858-459-4021 |
| 264 Fresco (Kitchen) | Carlsbad CA | 760-720-3737 |
| Prager Brothers (Hillcrest) | San Diego CA | 760-445-0831 |
| Pacific Regent La Jolla | San Diego CA | 858-597-8008 |
| Adobo House | San Diego CA | 619-990-8340 |
| Lodge at Torrey Pines Main | San Diego CA | 858-453-4420 |
| Toast Catering | San Diego CA | 619-795-9135 |
| Sycuan Casino | El Cajon CA | 619-445-6002 |
| Lodge at Torrey Pines Grill | San Diego CA | 858-453-4420 |
| Sabor a Vida Café & Deli | Vista CA | 760-536-3331 |
| California Center for the Arts | Escondido CA | 760-839-4107 |
| Sabor a Vida Café & Deli Carlsbad | Carlsbad CA | 760-579-3629 |
| Brigantine La Mesa | La Mesa CA | 619-465-1935 |
| Prager Brothers Artisan Bread | Carlsbad CA | 760-445-9536 |
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Red Leaf. One
is easiest, three is harder.| Taste of Home |
|
Red Leaf and Mandarin Salad |
| A Veggie Venture |
|
Lettuce Soup |
| Inspired Home |
|
Spicy Tuna and Tempura Shrimp Sushi Burrito |
| Passionate Eater |
|
Pseudo-Cobb Salad, The Healthier Version |
