Maravilha lettuce

HOW WE GROW IT

A classic butterhead lettuce grown in cool, composted soil with no synthetic inputs or sprays. 'Maravilha das Quatro Estações' — Marvel of Four Seasons — is an old European variety prized for its soft heads and beautiful bronze-tinged leaves. We grow it steadily and cut it fresh in the cool of the morning, so it reaches you crisp and alive rather than tired and wilted.

THE PRODUCT

A tender, loose butterhead with soft, buttery leaves blushed red-bronze at the edges — as pretty on the plate as it is good to eat. The flavour is mild, sweet, and delicate, with none of the bitterness of tougher lettuces, and the texture is silky rather than crunchy. Cut the same morning it reaches you, it's a world away from the limp bagged leaves that have travelled for days.

ORDERING DETAILS

• Unit: Sold by the head
• Harvest: Cut fresh on delivery morning

A TIP FROM OUR KITCHEN

Treat a good butterhead gently — its soft leaves are made for a simple salad with nothing more than olive oil, a little lemon or vinegar, and salt, so the flavour and colour lead. Dress it just before serving, as the tender leaves wilt quickly once dressed. The bronzed outer leaves are lovely for adding colour to a sandwich or wrap.