Red gem lettuce, botanical name Lactuca sativa, is a loose-forming head lettuce type within the Romaine lettuce group. It is an annual plant of the sunflower family, Asteraceae. Red gem is a loosely used marketing name given to the variety of lettuce, Sucrine (French for sugar). Though red gem lettuce's commercial success comes on the heels of petite artisan lettuces achiveing popularity in chefs' kitchens and within the arena of television cooking shows, it should be noted that it is also preferred over green lettuce for its coloring. Studies have proven that red pigmented food plants are chosen by consumers for their visual appeal.

Red gem lettuce forms a compact rosette of semi-savoyed leaves with vibrant bordeaux-red stained coloring against a lime green base. Its brilliant color may be the initial attractor, yet the lettuce's most appealing qualities are its size and texture. The leaves are petite, almost small enough to eat whole; the outer leaves are tender crisp with a melting quality, closer to the core, they are ribbed, succulent and incomparably crunchy. The red gem lettuce's flavor is delicate, subtly sweet and void of any bitterness often associated with many red lettuce varieties.

Nutritional Value

Red gem lettuce contains a high level of anthocyanins which inherently allows it a raft of health benefits. When consumed in plant form, anthocyanins have substantial anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties. They also reduce the risk of diabetes.

Serving Ideas

Red gem lettuce's virtues stand out with little to no manipulation. The lettuce's texture and its subtle flavors are a perfect canvas for savory and bold companion ingredients and bright, fruity flavors. Red gem lettuces soak up flavors, cut fat, hold sauces, vinaigrettes and juices in their leaves like an edible sponge. Let red gem lettuce be the principle ingredient within a simple salad alongside ingredients such as shallots, dill, blue cheese, tomatoes, apples, pears, melon, nuts, bacon, basil, mint and dried fruits. The leaves can also be removed from the base and used for color and texture atop burgers and sandwiches as well as in wraps and summer rolls.

Geography/History

The original red gem lettuce, Buttercos Sucrine, is an heirloom lettuce originally cultivated in France. It is primarily grown and sold in farmers markets throughout Western Europe and Coastal California within the United States.

Seasons/Availability

Red gem lettuce is available year round.