I personally like arugula. It has a wonderful mineral-rich flavor, like most good salad greens, and I enjoy its spicy bite. But maybe it’s not your thing. If that’s the case, you shouldn’t miss out on exploring green salads with arugula. Grab a bag of mesclun mix and start experimenting with all the fabulous types of vegetables available to create your perfect salad.
mezclum
Mesclun is a mixture of young and tender vegetables that originated in the south of France. Traditionally it was made with a variety of wild lettuce that grew on the slopes near the Mediterranean in spring and early summer.
The first mix of wild lettuce known as mesclun is said to have been created by the Franciscan monks at the Cimiez Monastery in Nice. According to legend, these monks were so poor that they had nothing to offer in exchange for the alms they received from the local population. Even his garden was pitifully unprosperous and produced nothing to share. So, the impoverished monks went out to the fields to gather a variety of wild leaves to create a tasty and nutritious salad, and thus the mesclun was created.
Today there are still people who gather wild lettuce, but you don’t have to bother so much. In France, mesclun can be bought at the supermarket, pre-washed and ready to eat, and I imagine you can find a similar product at your local supermarket. North American mixed greens tend to feature milder-tasting lettuces, but you should be able to find all of these interesting greens if you search. They are all worth trying.
A French mezclum mix will usually feature a variety of leaves and could also include some herbs. Here is a list of possibilities along with their names in French.
- endive- endive
- Chicory- Chicory
- Lamb’s lettuce sheets – Chewed
- Lion teeth – Dandelion
- Cherville- Chervil
- Young Spinach – Spinach
- Radicchio- Treviso
- Arugula- Rocket
- Purslane- Purslane
- Oak Leaf- Oak Leaf
One of the best things about these greens is that they are packed with nutrients, much more so than iceberg lettuce, for example. Most are rich in vitamin A and C, as well as folate and minerals. If you’re looking to increase your vitamin intake and improve your health, these greens might be a good place to start.
How to best enjoy Mesclun
Mesclun vegetables taste good on their own. No need to use a heavy salad dressing with these, they go best with a drizzle of vinaigrette. For variety, add a simple second ingredient, such as croutons, smoked salmon, warm goat cheese, crumbled bacon, or toasted walnuts.
Hungry yet? Toss together a salad of your favorite mixed greens, drizzle on a fresh vinaigrette, add a loaf of whole wheat bread and some good French cheese, and you’ve got a perfect light and easy meal ready in no time.