Balady Aswan Egyptian Stem Lettuce

Lactuca sativa

Balady Aswan is an ancient celtuce from Egyptian, where it is traditionally grown for its crunchy, stems. When young, the lettuce grows as a green rosette and tastes like Romaine. Once the plant has bolted, the stems can be harvested at 12-14" and eaten raw, steamed or stir-fried. The leaves can also be eaten through bolting, as they do not get as bitter as other lettuces. 

Lettuce was first cultivated in Ancient Egypt for its seed oil, and later selected for its stem. In Ancient Egypt, stem lettuce may have been associated the deity Min, prepared as a vegetable, and used medicinally for its sedative properties. 

approx. 300 seeds

Germination: 95% on 1/21/25