Freckles lettuce, AKA Flashy Troutback, is an open-pollinated Romaine lettuce variety unique to lettuce cultivars. As its name suggests, it may have achieved its special markings due to the sun. The sun has more to do with the lettuce's growing success than its looks though.

Freckles lettuce has the signature Romaine lettuce shape, though its size may be dwarfed by classic Romaine varieties. Its white base connects individual glossy lemon lime green ribs growing upward and freckled with specs of burgundy throughout their leafy tips. Its leaves are crisp; its flavor is notably minerally and bitter and otherwise clean and insipid in its finish. Freckles lettuce can be grown as a baby lettuce or mature lettuce variety as it achieves its trademark coloring early in its growth.

Serving Ideas

Freckles lettuce can be used in any recipe calling for Romaine lettuce. Freckles lettuce leaves can be used as a vessel for dips and other accoutrements, as a sandwich lettuce or flash grilled and served as an appetizer. Complimentary pairings are endless, especially with freckles inner hearts, which serve as a blank canvas for accompanying flavors, bold, bright and rich. Notable favorable ingredient pairings include bacon, anchovies, nutty aged cheeses, chiles, creamy dressings, aged balsamic, citrus, melons, avocado, pears, peaches, apples, dried fruit, hers such as basil, dill, tarragon and mint and nuts such as hazelnuts, pistachios and pine nuts.

Geography/History

Freckles lettuce is an heirloom lettuce variety with documentation citing it native to Austria circa 1793. It is not as commercially successful as common Romaine lettuce, yet it continues to be widely favored in both Europe and America. It thrives in warm climates with fertile soil and moderate rain or irrigation. Its tolerance for heat and sun make freckles lettuce a slow-bolting, choice variety for hotter climates in the summer months. Because of its non particular growing needs, freckles is a great home gardener's lettuce. It can be sown directly, planted in containers and raised beds. The lettuce can be harvested as soon as small heads form.

Seasons/Availability

Freckles lettuce is cultivated year-round, with a peak season during spring months.