(Claytonia perfoliata)
A gold rush wonder, miners ate them to prevent scurvy, giving the species its common name. A delicious nutritious powerhouse. Offers high water content for hydration and, unlike spinach, it is low in oxalates, making it gentle on the digestive system.
ZONE: 6-9
POLLINATOR: Yes (acts as an early-spring nectar source)
DEER RESISTANT: Semi
DROUGHT TOLERANT: No
EVERGREEN: No
SPREADS BY SEED: Reseeds itself each year
NEEDS A CROSS POLLINATOR: No
AGE OF PLANT: 1yr (roots will have full maturity by April)
MATURE HEIGHT: Up to 12" tall and width
MINERS LETTUCE
PLANTING & GROWING
Choose a cool, moist, shaded location during spring or fall, spacing them 8–12 inches apart in well-drained, fertile soil. As a shade-loving, shallow-rooted" cut-and-come-again" plant, thrives in cool temperatures (55-60°F) and requires consistent moisture to prevent premature flowering or bitterness.
MEDICINAL BENEFITS
- 100 grams of miner's lettuce contains a third of your daily requirement of vitamin C, 22 percent of vitamin A, and 10 percent of iron. During the gold rush, miners ate them to prevent scurvy, giving the species its common name.
- Antioxidants
- Contains omega fatty acids
- Purifies the Blood and Lymph System
* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases.
FLAVOR & PAIRING
Mild, refreshing, and slightly earthy flavor often described as a mix of spinach and butter lettuce, with a crisp texture and subtle, tangy, or lemony undertones.
Miner's lettuce works well with vinaigrettes, and citrus. It shines in raw salads with chanterelles, wild ramps, radishes, fresh goat cheese, and citrus fruits like grapefruit or blood oranges. It can also be lightly sautéed or used in pesto.