This is an Egyptian celtuce that Eric found in the US seed bank (GRIN) system while searching for sources of virus resistance for breeding. The emerald green leaves have a completely different taste than our familiar kinds of lettuce, a rich non-bitter creamy flavor, like a lettuce smoothie. Celtuce, or stem lettuce, is one of the most ancient forms of the vegetable, derived originally from oilseed lettuce, and is frequently depicted in ancient hieroglyphs as a symbol of male virility. Celtuce is typically harvested when the plant has bolted enough to have a 12-14" stem, but leaves can be harvested anytime.

Oregon Tilth Certified Organic Seed!