Food of the Week
Summer Lettuces
Summer lettuces are here. "Summer" isn't just a question of Lane County rather than Willamette Valley. Lettuces reflect the season. The cooler temperatures of Winter and early Spring slow the uptake of organic nutrients from the soil. As a result, the lettuces are smaller when picked, with finer-textured leaves.
As the weather warms, the lettuces grow faster and are larger when ready to pick. The quality of the leaves also changes as all the characteristic qualities are enhanced. The leaves are thicker, so the crunchy ones are crunchier, crisp ones crisper and succulent ones fleshier. Similarly with flavors, the mineral taste of Perilla, the nuttiness of Lollo Rosso or Grenobloise, the sweet-tart of Romaine are more prominent in warmer than in cooler weather. If you've been puzzling over the difference between the "Red Leafs" Vulcan and Grenobloise, now is the time to resolve the issue.
Warmer weather affects other crops in similar ways. Arugula becomes sharper and Cilantro/Coriander more pungent. Some produce, such as soft fruits, corn or squash, are only available seasonally. Other products now have extended seasons, but are only really good for a part of the time they're available. Good local lettuce is available nearly all year, but its qualities change with the season, with the seasonal changes are in Lane County.
Summer Lettuces
Summer lettuces are here. "Summer" isn't just a question of Lane County rather than Willamette Valley. Lettuces reflect the season. The cooler temperatures of Winter and early Spring slow the uptake of organic nutrients from the soil. As a result, the lettuces are smaller when picked, with finer-textured leaves.
As the weather warms, the lettuces grow faster and are larger when ready to pick. The quality of the leaves also changes as all the characteristic qualities are enhanced. The leaves are thicker, so the crunchy ones are crunchier, crisp ones crisper and succulent ones fleshier. Similarly with flavors, the mineral taste of Perilla, the nuttiness of Lollo Rosso or Grenobloise, the sweet-tart of Romaine are more prominent in warmer than in cooler weather. If you've been puzzling over the difference between the "Red Leafs" Vulcan and Grenobloise, now is the time to resolve the issue.
Warmer weather affects other crops in similar ways. Arugula becomes sharper and Cilantro/Coriander more pungent. Some produce, such as soft fruits, corn or squash, are only available seasonally. Other products now have extended seasons, but are only really good for a part of the time they're available. Good local lettuce is available nearly all year, but its qualities change with the season, with the seasonal changes are in Lane County.
