The name “black lettuce” comes from the sooty-looking purple-black leaves. Black lettuce, also known as Cherokee lettuce, comes in a variety of colors ranging from bright burgundy to mauve to nearly ebony-black. Each leaf’s stems are bright green, similar to iceberg lettuce, but the leaves are loosely bundled with scalloped edges, like romaine lettuce. It is frequently described as a hardy lettuce that grows quickly in poor soils and during periods of drought. It does not have the same tendency as its cousins to become slimy and develop root rot when overwatered.
Black lettuce is quickly becoming a popular salad staple thanks to its crisp, slightly peppery flavor and crisp leaves. Because it matures quickly and thrives in most growing conditions, inexperienced gardeners who want to try seasonal cooking might grow this plant with other salad greens. It also produces a plentiful crop of dark, hearty leaves that can be consumed raw or cooked.
The leaves of young black lettuce plants are typically dusky red or even slightly pinkish. The leaves darken as the plant matures, eventually becoming very dark. Some hybrid strains don’t darken as much as pure strains. When the leaves have grown to the size of a man’s hand and are slightly waxy, they can be harvested. They’re usually wrapped in paper towels and kept in the fridge until the cook is ready to use them.
Though most people eat black lettuce raw, it can also be sautéed. Because it cooks down so much, it’s best to combine it with spinach or kale. When seasoned with a pinch of salt and black pepper, it’s usually delicious. When onions, spicy peppers, and crumbled bacon are added to the mix, some people may enjoy the flavor. Typically, the leaves should be heated in a small amount of olive oil until they are slightly wilted. Because black lettuce can quickly become mushy, cooks should keep a close eye on it and avoid overcooking it.
This lettuce can be added to a variety of tasty and hearty salads when eaten raw. A monochrome salad with red onions, black lettuce, black olives, black tomatoes, and blackened Cajun chicken pieces might be one option. Another option is to use salad ingredients that are very brightly colored to contrast with the dark leaves. Mixed with lettuce and a drizzle of bright pink raspberry vinaigrette, yellow and red cherry tomatoes, edible pansy blossoms, sliced strawberries, and orange bell peppers could be delicious. Black lettuce, butter lettuce, bright red tomatoes, and orange cheddar cheese might be used in a simple yet colorful gourmet sandwich.