Lamb's lettuce
This leafy vegetable adds a distinctive, tangy flavour to salads. Discover when lamb's lettuce is in season and top tips for storing and preparing it.
Sometimes known as Corn Salad, lamb's lettuce has long spoon-shaped dark leaves and a distinctive, tangy flavour. It is used raw in salads as well as steamed and served as a vegetable. The unusual name reputedly comes from the lettuce's resemblance to the size and shape of a lamb's tongue.
Availability
Lamb's lettuce is at its best from May to November.
Learn how to grow your lamb's lettuce from the experts at Gardeners’ World.
Choose the best
Dark, narrow leaves that are springy and unwilted.
Prepare it
Be sure to wash and drain lamb's lettuce thoroughly before using as, like spinach, it can be quite grainy and gritty.
Store it
It is quickly perishable and should be used within two days of purchase. Store in an airtight plastic bag in the fridge.
Cook it
As a main ingredient in salads or cooked and served as a side vegetable.
Alternatives
Try Cos lettuce or baby spinach.