At the Market is a weekly look at produce available at local farmers markets. See the schedule for farmers markets this week in Central Oregon.
What: Little Gem baby romaine lettuce
Season: Summer and fall
About: Visiting farmers markets is a great way to try all manner of lettuce and greens. This baby lettuce variety is just one of many fun, interesting — but not too strange — ways to step out of your lettuce comfort zone. Baby romaine lettuce is similar in most respects to its larger, more common namesake. But I find it to be much sweeter in flavor and similar to a butter lettuce in terms of texture (versus the more crisp, intense crunch of traditional romaine). The small, whimsical size (about 5 or 6 inches long) is also practical — one leaf is a perfect sandwich size — and leaves don't need too much tearing for salads, cutting down on prep time.
Preparation: This makes a wonderful addition to any sandwich (pairing with chicken salad on wheat bread would be excellent). Baby lettuce also makes a heavenly salad. The sweet, buttery taste and texture would be lovely in a salad with blue cheese, toasted nuts and dried cranberries. Yum!
— Alandra Johnson, The Bulletin
