Mesclun
Mesclun: Sowing, planting and harvest calendar
Mesclun is a mixture of young salad leaves rather than a single plant species. Its composition varies with traditions, producers and seed packets, including the varieties chosen for each blend. It may combine different lettuces, rocket, chicories, mustards or other leafy vegetables intended for this use. The same name therefore covers mild, more bitter or pepperier blends with different colours and textures.Lettuces often contribute soft leaves and a mild flavour. Chicories and endives offer more bitterness, while rocket and certain mustards bring peppery notes. Mizuna has finely divided foliage; some lettuces have wavy margins or red tones. These features come from the species and cultivars present, not from a mesclun plant with identical leaves.A blend's appearance changes as each component develops. Round leaves can sit beside long, smooth or toothed forms. Shades range from pale to dark green, sometimes including purple. Part of the culinary interest rests on this contrast,…
