Red Deer Tongue  Lettuce
By: Anonymous

About

The pointed, dark green leaves edged in red of this heirloom lettuce have a rich, nutty flavor.  Red deer tongue lettuce very old variety that was popular with American pioneer families because of its fast growing capacity.

Information
Translations: Red Deer Tongue Salāti, Elnias liežuvio salotos, Red Deer Tongue Salată verde, Red Deer Tongue Zelena salata, Red Deer Tongue Rau diếp, Jeleń Tongue Sałata, Red Deer Tongue Sla, Red Deer भाषा लेटिष, Red Deer Tongue Alface, Red Deer Tongue Салаты, Red Deer Tongue Μαρούλι, أيل أحمر اللسان الخس, 레드 디어 혀 상추, Red Deer Tongue Salát, Јелена језик Зелена салата, Red Deer wika litsugas, 红鹿舌生菜, Red Deer Tongue Enciam, Red Deer Tongue Solata, Red Deer Tongue Šalát, Red Deer Tongue Lattuga, אייל אציל לשון חסה, Red Deer Tongue Sallad, Red Deer Tongue Selada, 赤鹿の舌レタス, Red Deer Tongue Laitue, Red Deer Tongue Salat, Red Deer Tongue Salat, Red Deer Tongue Salat, Red Deer Tongue Lechuga, Red Deer Tongue Салати, Red Deer Tongue Salaatit, Red Deer език Марули


Physical Description
Red Deer Tongue lettuce forms nice rosettes while growing, it has pointed leaves and is slow to bolt
Colors: bronze red to green


Tasting Notes
Flavors: sweet
Mouthfeel: Buttery texture
Food complements: Lemon, Olive oil, Basil, Arugula
Wine complements: Red wine, Dry white wine, Port
Beverage complements: Sparkling water, Iced tea
Substitutes: Butter lettuce, Bibb lettuce, Red leaf lettuce


Selecting and Buying
Choosing: Look for "perky" leaves that aren't wilted or bruised.
Look at the stem to make sure that it isn't dried out or deteriorated. 
Buying: Look for this heirloom variety at your local farmer's market.
Procuring: You can begin harvesting outer leaves as soon as they are large enough and continue until a central stalk begins to form, which signals the end of the harvest period. You can also harvest the entire plant when it's mature but still young and crisp.


Preparation and Use

Cleaning: Rinse in cool running water, then shake to remove the excess water.