Little Gem Lettuce

Description:

Little Gem lettuce is a compact, flavourful variety characterized by its crisp, succulent leaves and vibrant green colour. Resembling a miniature romaine, it has a tightly packed head with a crunchy texture that adds a delightful bite to salads and dishes. The leaves are tender yet sturdy, making them ideal for wrapping fillings or serving as a base for toppings.

Health Benefits from eating little gem lettuce:

A nutrient-rich, low-calorie leafy green that offers several health benefits:

1. Rich in Nutrients: Little Gem lettuce is packed with vitamins A, C, and K, which support healthy vision, immune function, and bone health.
2. High in Fibre: It provides dietary fibre, which aids in digestion, promotes a healthy gut, and helps manage weight by keeping you feeling full.
3. Antioxidants: The antioxidants found in Little Gem lettuce help protect the body from oxidative stress and inflammation, potentially reducing the risk of chronic diseases.
4. Hydration: With its high water content, Little Gem lettuce helps keep the body hydrated.
5. Low in Calories: Little Gem is a great addition to calorie-conscious diets, as it provides essential nutrients without adding significant calories.

Calories (per 100g):

• Calories: 14 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 2.9g
• Fibre: 1.4g
• Protein: 1.3g
• Fat: 0.2g

Little Gem lettuce is a nutritious, low-calorie option, perfect for adding crunch and freshness to salads and other dishes.

Here’s a simple and fresh recipe for Little Gem Lettuce Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette:

Ingredients:

• 4 heads of Little Gem lettuce, washed and separated into leaves
• 1/2 cucumber, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
• 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh herbs (optional: parsley, mint, or basil) for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Salad: Arrange the Little Gem lettuce leaves on a large platter or in individual bowls. Add the cucumber slices, red onion, cherry tomatoes, and crumbled feta (if using).
2. Make the Lemon Vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until the dressing is well combined.
3. Toss and Serve: Drizzle the lemon vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to combine. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
4. Serve: Enjoy as a light, refreshing side dish or add grilled chicken or seafood for a complete meal!

This Little Gem lettuce salad is a crisp, flavourful, and healthy option for any meal, especially during warm weather. The tangy lemon vinaigrette perfectly complements the fresh greens!

Here’s a refreshing Prawn Cocktail recipe using Little Gem lettuce:

Ingredients:

• 1 head of Little Gem lettuce, washed and separated into leaves
• 200g cooked prawns, peeled and deveined
• 1/4 cup cocktail sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)
• A pinch of smoked paprika (optional, for garnish)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Lemon wedges (for garnish)

For Homemade Cocktail Sauce:

• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 tablespoon horseradish sauce (or more, to taste)
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Cocktail Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, ketchup, horseradish sauce, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Adjust the seasoning to taste, and set aside.
2. Prepare the Little Gem Lettuce: Arrange the Little Gem lettuce leaves in small individual serving glasses or on a plate. The lettuce will provide a base for the prawns and sauce.
3. Assemble the Cocktail: Add the cooked prawns on top of the lettuce. Drizzle the homemade cocktail sauce over the prawns. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice and a few drops of Worcestershire sauce if you like extra flavour.
4. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle smoked paprika on top for a bit of colour, garnish with fresh parsley, and add lemon wedges on the side for extra zest.
5. Serve: Enjoy the prawn cocktail as a refreshing appetizer or a light starter!

This version of prawn cocktail uses Little Gem lettuce for a crisp and fresh base, making the dish even more delightful!