I recently found a package of artisan lettuce in my grocery and couldn’t resist. I love and adore lettuce and here were three varieties I’d never eaten before:
* Sweet gem
* Tango
* Oak
Vitamin A, numerous B vitamins, vitamin C, calcium, manganese, iron, potassium, copper, phosphorous are just a few of the nutritional treasures found in lettuce.
What Is Artisan Lettuce Anyway???
“Artisan” is a really popular word these days and you find it everywhere. Sort of like “hack” – I think I’ll scream if I see that word anymore! Anyway, back on track … The word artisan refers to either a skilled craftsman or “a person or company that makes a high-quality or distinctive product in small quantities, usually by hand or using traditional methods” which is what the term must mean in relationship to lettuce.
As it refers to lettuce, here’s a definition I found that makes sense: “Actually, being that it’s (sic) leaves are not plucked from it’s roots/stem, and the lettuce stays in it’s (sic) natural cluster-like form (which is the “non-processed” part), it degrades in quality slower, not to mention stays fresh and retains it’s nutrients longer.”
It certainly seems to degrade more slowly than other lettuces. I’ve been gorging myself on this delicious artisan lettuce and it’s still in great shape. Most lettuces don’t last long. The only one I can count on is arugula, which seems to have a longer life than others.
The Types of Lettuce In My Artisan Package
Green Gem: is a hybrid, a member of the sunflower family with ‘very petite’ leaves.
Tango: has frilly edges, is a dark green color and is described as “tangy”. It is.
Oak: this is the dark lettuce and adds an interesting color contrast to the traditional greens. There are green and red versions but obviously I have the red one. An entire cup of this delicious plant is only 10 calories. Wow, eat up. Supposedly, this lettuce was referenced in England in 1699 so it’s no newcomer.
I’ve been eating giant salads with these three artisan lettuces and some arugula and they’re AWESOME! Delicious, low in calories and brimming with health. What could be better?
Naomi Teeter says
Dominos pizza has “Artisan” pizzas… doesn’t mean they’re healthy. You’re so right about it being a new buzz word!
BlissPlan says
Naomi, I don’t know how these words become so popular, but ‘artison’ is definitely a fav these days. It will most likely fade, as they all do.