Miner’s Lettuce

Miner’s Lettuce is arguably our softest, loveliest, and most likeable native green vegetable. The young plant produces spade-shaped leaves and, once it is ready to flower, sprouts a circular leaf (technically a bract) which flowers in the center. The circular leaf looks like a miniature lily pad, and at the right time of season, can be ordered with the tiny white flower blossom intact.

Miner’s lettuce is typically found growing in riparian (waterfront) areas, sometimes even directly out of shallow water like watercress. It is juicy and succulent, crunchy, with zero bitterness, a very mild and refreshing green flavor.

Miner’s lettuce is so named because of its reputation for helping stave off scurvy in the California Gold Rush, likely at the recommendation of native people. Miner’s lettuce grows abundantly in the Sierra Nevada and was one of the earliest Spring greens available with significant vitamin C content.

Type: Young (spade) leaves, mature (circular) leaves, flowering leaves. Unless otherwise specified, a mixture of young and mature leaves will be included in the order.

Flavor: Mild, crunchy, succulent

Color: 1.5 cm - 6 cm + stem

Season: Late Winter/ early Spring

Storage/Care: Keep refrigerated in a moist environment. Note that flowering leaves have a lower shelf life, appx. 2-3 days.

Alternate names: Claytonia, Winter Purslane