This is a super weird looking veggie--it's long and has a tassel of leaves on top. We distribute them in bunches. They are from China and actually closely related to lettuce! This is actually one of the mildest, tastiest, easy to use veggies we grow (it just looks weird)

When it's in Season at Hartwood Farm:

celtuce.png

Celtuce is ready in the early summer, so you’ll probably find it once in your share in June or early July.

Crop Category and What it Tastes Like:

An uncategorical veggie!

This weird looking veggie is actually super mild (and normal) tasting. It's almost like a crunchy asparagus, with a bit of a nutty flavor. Celtuce is essentially lettuce bred to have a tall, woody stem. However, the woody stem is the bit to eat, rather than the leaves. The mild flavor may remind you vaguely of lettuce, but it is nuttier and can be very slightly sweet. Celtuce can also have a bold, almost smoky aftertaste.

How to Handle and Store:

Keep you celtuce loosely bagged in the fridge, they keep about 7 days.

How to Prep for Use:

To prep your celtuce, remove the leaves, as they are bitter, and peel the stalks. Inside, you will find a mild, nutty, intensely green interior. We usually chop it into rounds to use (though some recipes call for slivers or spiralizing).

Ways to Cook and Eat:

Once peeled, celtuce can be sautéed, stir fried, or eaten raw. It’s much more versatile than it’s appearance may suggest.

Quick and Dirty Hangry Farmer Go-To Preparations:

We honestly haven't experimented with it much since we have only grown it a couple times, but we love it sautéed up in oil or butter--it's mild, nutty flavor really shines through. Lots of bloggers seem to prefer it raw, but we felt that it was a bit bland that way.

Typical time to:

  • Steam—we haven’t tried it! Let us know!

  • Sauté—2 to 8 minutes, depending on desired doneness

  • Bake—we haven’t tried it! Let us know!

  • Boil—Not recommended

Our Favorite Recipes:

Celtuce Stir Fry with Eggs (Omnivore’s Cookbook)—simple, fresh, and yummy! Bonus: the blog post has lots of interesting info on celtuce!