asparagus lettuce invites itself to the table

In Tourves (Var), behind a field of poppies hides a strange vegetable from afar. It’s celtuce, or more commonly known as asparagus lettuce or Chinese lettuce. “It’s an Asian product that we are starting to consume a little in France”, explains Brun Cayron, market gardener in Tourves. More exactly, it is a romaine type lettuce growing on a stalk.

“We grow it here, in spring and autumn, because outside of these times, it’s a little too hot or too cold”, says Bruno Cayron. Some chefs even make it a staple ingredient in their dishes. This is particularly the case in Toulon (Var). Restaurant customers are surprised by the flavors of asparagus lettuce. “It tastes like peas. I find it very fresh and very crunchy”, details a client. Another is just as enthusiastic: “It looks a bit like asparagus, but more delicate. It’s very, very good!”