Mesclun facts for kids
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| Type | Salad |
|---|---|
| Place of origin | France |
| Region or state | Provence |
| Main ingredients | Chervil, arugula, leafy lettuces, endive, chive |
Mesclun (pronounced "mess-clun") is a special mix of small, young salad greens. It first came from Provence, a beautiful region in France.
The word mesclun comes from the French word mesclar, which means "to mix thoroughly." It literally means "mixture."
A traditional mesclun mix often includes greens like chervil, arugula, different kinds of lettuces, and endive. However, a mesclun mix can also have other tasty greens. These might include baby spinach, collard greens, Swiss chard, mustard greens, and dandelion greens.
Where Did Mesclun Come From?
Local stories say that mesclun started with farmers near the city of Nice in France. Each farmer would bring their own special mix of tiny, young greens to the farmers' markets. One popular and old version of mesclun had baby dandelion, lettuce, and rocket (which is another name for arugula).
Famous chef Alice Waters once said that markets in Provence show off lots of mesclun. She described it as a mix of the first soft, young leaves that grow in a garden. She noted that a mesclun mix can be amazing. It might include rocket, chervil, mâche (also called lamb's lettuce), and oak leaf lettuce. Sometimes, baby curly endive or young dandelion greens are also added. It all depends on what the farmer likes and what is growing well.
What's in a Spring Mix?
In North America, mesclun first appeared in restaurants and farm stands in the early 1980s. It has become very popular since then.
A "mesclun mix" or "spring mix" is usually made of baby leaves from different lettuces and other greens. These greens come in many shapes, colors, textures, and tastes.
While most mesclun sold today is similar to the traditional French mix, a "spring mix" can be much more varied. Depending on the time of year, it might have anywhere from 12 to 36 different types of baby greens!
Some greens you might find in a commercial "spring mix" include:
- Red and green oak leaf lettuce
- Romaine and lolla rossa lettuces
- Frisée
- Tatsoi
- Bok choy (joi choi)
- Arugula
- Spinach
- Orach
- Mizuna
- Dandelion
- Mustard greens
- Garden cress
For the best flavor and freshness, it's often recommended to buy mesclun or spring mix directly from local farmers.
See also
In Spanish: Mézclum para niños
