High in carotene and antioxidants, pea sprouts are also known as tao miu. They look like a greener, leafier version of bean sprouts and are best enjoyed in soups and stir fries.
Romaine lettuce is the term more often used in the USA to describe a Cos lettuce. Typically it is a tall lettuce with long slender leaves and at maturity forms an elongated cupped ‘heart’.
The leaves have quite a prominent and thicker rib through the centre, are generally more robust with a unique crisp taste that differentiates it from other lettuce. When grown to maturity, the upper tips of the leaves close to form a heart, which consequentially excludes light, colouring the internals to more of a blonde green. It is these paler leaves that are most tasty, tender and desirable.
This type of lettuce is extremely popular due to the creation of the Caesar Salad. There are many interpretations of this recipe, but it most definitely should start with a cos.
Tiny and tender, bright, Green baby French beans are smaller than common green beans.
Young pods may be prepared whole, eaten raw, or lightly steamed or sauteed. Cook chopped leeks in olive oil, add green beans and saute until cooked through, then finish with chopped dill and serve as a side dish. Saute beans in butter with chopped bacon, then serve warm finished with toasted pine nuts. Toss green beans with garlic and olive oil, then roast and serve with lemon juice and grated parmesan. Steam beans the toss with vinaigrette and fresh cherry tomato halves.