Deer's tongue lettuce, AKA Matchless lettuce, is an heirloom variety known for its hardiness, cold and heat tolerance and its resistance to bolt in summer months. Deer's tongue lettuce should not be confused with Amish deer's tongue lettuce, which was first cultivated a century later than deer's tongue.

Deer's tongue lettuce grows in a tight formation with a connected base, its narrow pointed triangular leaves growing outward and upward wrapping themselves around each other to form a very distinct rosette of lettuce. Though the outer leaves are tender with a mild flavor, the white inner ribs are less palatable, though crunchy, often slightly bitter. Young deer's tongue lettuce is milder than its mature counterpart.

Serving Ideas

Deer's tongue lettuce can be used as a single lettuce in a salad or as a garnish to sandwiches and burgers. It can also be added to a salad mix, its crunchy texture and sharp flavor adding depth to tender and lesser flavored lettuces. Common companion ingredients include bold and aged cheeses, bright fruits such as berries and citrus, succulent summer melons and stonefruit, crisp apples and pears, rich meats such as bacon, lomo and pork belly.

Geography/History

Deer's tongue lettuce is indigenous to North America. Its original cultivation date is unknown but records indicate that it was circa 1740, when the first English settlers arrived and discovered the lettuce growing in the Northeastern coast of the United States. Deer's tongue lettuce is not a commercial lettuce, rather a very farmers market specific lettuce that is also rarely found outside of North America. Even though its geographical growing range has yet to expand globally, the lettuce tolerates many different climates which makes it suitable for the home gardener. Severe heat, though, will cause bitterness in the leaves.

Seasons/Availability

Deer's tongue lettuce is cultivated year round with a peak season in early spring.