Three Guys from Brooklyn's Guide to Fresh Lettuces: More Than Just Iceberg
Welcome, foodies of Brooklyn! We, the Three Guys from Brooklyn, are here to give you a crash course on the world of fresh, seasonal lettuces. We know that iceberg lettuce has been the go-to for many salads and sandwiches, but trust us when we say that there is a whole world of lettuces out there waiting to be explored. And lucky for you, we've got plenty to choose from here at our open-air produce market in Bay Ridge.
In this feature, we'll be highlighting the variety of fresh lettuce we carry that are now in peak season of freshness. We're giving you the inside scoop on lettuce varieties that are both popular and hard-to-find, and we'll be sharing their flavor profiles and their uses throughout every meal. We'll also be giving you a tip on how to keep lettuce fresh for longer periods of time once you bring it home. Lastly, we'll be sharing with you our favorite recipe for a grilled romaine salad with shaved parmigiano reggiano.
So, buckle up and get ready to learn more about the wonderful world of lettuces!
First things first, let's talk about different lettuce varieties that are available right now. Of course, there's the classic iceberg lettuce - it's crisp, refreshing, and pairs well with just about anything. However, if you're looking for something a little fancier, we've got plenty of options for you.
One popular lettuce variety that we carry is Romaine lettuce. This lettuce has a slightly bitter taste, and it pairs really well with a variety of dressings and toppings. In addition to being commonly used in salads, did you know that Romaine lettuce is also great for grilling? When grilled, it develops a smoky flavor that adds a whole new dimension to your salads.
But wait, there's more! Another lettuce variety we highly recommend is Butter lettuce. Now, this lettuce is definitely on the milder side, making it perfect for salads and sandwiches. It also holds up well in wraps, tacos, and more! Plus, it's full of vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious addition to any meal.
Aside from Romaine and Butter lettuce, we also carry other lettuce varieties such as Oak Leaf, Lolla Rossa, and Red Leaf. Each of these lettuces has its own unique flavor profile and texture, making them great additions to your salads or as a bed for your proteins.
Now onto our tip for keeping lettuce fresh longer! After bringing your lettuce home, you'll want to follow these two steps:
Wash and dry your lettuce before storing it. Wet lettuce in the fridge can lead to a shorter shelf life.
Store your lettuce in a resealable container with a paper towel. The paper towel will help absorb any extra moisture, helping to keep your lettuce fresh and crispy for longer.
Lastly, let's talk about our favorite recipe for grilled romaine salad with shaved parmigiano reggiano.
Ingredients:
2 heads of Romaine lettuce, washed and trimmed
3 tablespoons of olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup of shaved parmigiano reggiano
Dressing of choice
There you have it, folks - our guide to discovering different lettuce varieties and our favorite recipe for a grilled romaine salad. At Three Guys from Brooklyn, we take pride in sourcing much of our lettuces from local and regional farmers, ensuring that our produce is fresh and of the highest quality. Be sure to follow our "Farm to Brooklyn" series all month long for features on our in-season produce. Happy cooking!