LAMB'S LETTUCE

                                                                         Valerianella locusta

The leaves of lamb's lettuce are very nutritious as they contain high amounts of vitamin B1 & vitamin C, calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron, zinc, carbohydrate, protein & dietary fiber.

Used as a medicinal in some countries as a depurative, nervine, refrigerant, anti-scurvy.

Some important plant constituents are arginine, glycine, methionine, molybdenum, phenylalanine & tryptophan, these are being studied for use in pharmaceuticals to fight many forms of cancer, Parkinson's disease, depression & other mental disorders.

Lamb's lettuce provides a high-dose of beta carotene, linked with cancer prevention particularly lung cancer & reduction in the risk of heart disease.

RECIPES:

While it can be steamed & used like spinach in omelettes & soups, or added to sandwiches, lamb's lettuce really comes into its own as a salad. The flavour is tangy & nutty & complemented by flavours like apples, feta cheese & walnuts, though it's also strong enough to pair well with garlic. 

The leaves are used in salad mixes together with other greens such as mustard leaves, rocket, dandelion, frisee etc, it can also be cooked & used in soups & stuffings.

Beetroot, lamb’s lettuce & boiled egg salad with vinaigrette offers an array of nutrients: vitamins, fibre, protein & minerals.. 

Lamb’s lettuce puree: a handful of lamb’s lettuce, thickened with a few mashed potatoes & a dash of crème fraîche for a deliciously velvety puree. 

Serve with crusty farmhouse croutons for a hearty & vitamin-filled meal.