Volcana Red-to-the-Heart Mini Gem Lettuce:

Volcana lettuce is a visually stunning and flavorful variety that brings both beauty and taste to your dishes. With its crisp, red leaves that are sweet with a slightly nutty undertone, Volcana lettuce is perfect for adding colour, texture, and nutrition to a wide range of meals.

Raw Applications:

  • Salads: Volcana lettuce shines in salads, and its bright red colour and crisp texture can be fully appreciated. Pair it with other greens, fruits like apples or pears, nuts, and a light vinaigrette to highlight its sweetness and nutty flavour.
  • Wraps: Use the sturdy, crisp leaves as wraps for grilled chicken, tofu, or other fillings. The mild sweetness of the lettuce complements various flavours and adds a fresh, crunchy bite.

Cooked Applications:

  • Grilled or Roasted: While Volcana lettuce is typically used fresh, it can also be lightly grilled or roasted. This technique brings out its nutty undertones while maintaining its crisp texture. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper before grilling or roasting briefly.
  • As a Bed for Proteins: Use Volcana lettuce as a bed for grilled meats, seafood, or roasted vegetables. The crisp leaves provide a contrasting texture, while the sweet and nutty flavour complements the savoury elements of the dish.

Garnishing:

  • Plating: Use Volcana lettuce leaves to add a pop of color and a touch of elegance to plates. Its unique red hue makes it an eye-catching garnish for any dish, especially when serving appetizers or small plates.

3 Recipes for Volcana Red-to-the-Heart Mini Gem Lettuce:

1. Volcana Lettuce and Citrus Salad

Ingredients:

  • 2 heads Volcana lettuce, leaves separated and washed
  • 1 orange, peeled and segmented
  • 1 grapefruit, peeled and segmented
  • 1/4 cup toasted almonds
  • 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. In a large salad bowl, combine the Volcana lettuce leaves, orange segments, grapefruit segments, toasted almonds, and crumbled goat cheese.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, honey, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to create a dressing.
  3. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat.
  4. Serve immediately as a refreshing, vibrant starter or side dish.

2. Grilled Volcana Lettuce with Balsamic Glaze

Ingredients:

  • 2 heads Volcana lettuce, halved lengthwise
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Shaved Parmesan cheese for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
  2. Brush the cut sides of the Volcana lettuce halves with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
  3. Place the lettuce halves cut side down on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes until grill marks appear and the edges begin to char slightly.
  4. In a small saucepan, heat the balsamic vinegar and honey over medium heat, simmering until the mixture thickens into a glaze.
  5. Drizzle the balsamic glaze over the grilled lettuce and garnish with shaved Parmesan cheese.
  6. Serve as a unique and flavorful side dish.

3. Volcana Lettuce Wraps with Spicy Shrimp

Ingredients:

  • 2 heads Volcana lettuce, leaves separated
  • 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 1/2 cup shredded carrots
  • 1/4 cup sliced green onions
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

Instructions:

  1. In a medium skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
  2. Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook until pink and opaque, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. Stir in the soy sauce, sriracha, and honey, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until the shrimp are well coated in the sauce.
  4. Remove from heat and allow the shrimp to cool slightly.
  5. To assemble the wraps, place a few shrimp on each Volcana lettuce leaf and top with shredded carrots, green onions, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
  6. Serve the wraps as a light, flavorful appetizer or main course.

These recipes highlight the versatility of Volcana lettuce, allowing you to enjoy its crisp texture and sweet, nutty flavour in various creative ways.