Mache: The New Salad

Also known as “Doucette”, mache is a leafy vegetable with a delicate flavor (without bitterness) and slight hazelnut taste. Although it’s very similar to lettuce, it belongs to a different plant family: Valerianaceae. It contains a lot of Omega 3 and beta-carotene: an antioxidant that turns into vitamin A once absorbed by the body.

Preparation

To pick the perfect mache salad, make sure it looks crispy and green, without any yellow spots. At home, gently rinse under cold water, removing excess soil and dirt.

 

In a salad, it should be seasoned with light vinaigrette just before serving. It pairs well with sweet vegetables (carrots, beets, tomatoes, etc.), as well as seafood and cheese.

 

Here is a mache salad dressing suggestion, which would complement its subtle taste:

• 1 tbs. white wine vinegar
• 3 tbs. olive oil
• 1 tsp. mustard tea
• 1 chopped shallot
• Salt & pepper to taste

 

For other dressing ideas, read our article "Link to the article on salad dressings".

 

Although it doesn’t support heat very well, mache can be lightly cooked or steamed to add in soups.

 

 

Preservation

Hydroserre Mirabel sells its products in a sealed and re-closable package, to keep freshness. But here are a few other tips to preserve it at home:

 

If you don’t intend to eat shortly after purchase, rinse gently under cold and pat dry. Place a dry paper tower at the bottom of the container, to absorb moisture and keep the leaves nice and crisp. It can be stored in a fridge drawer up to 3-4 days.

 

For recipe ideas or any other Hydroserre Mirabel products, visit www.laituesmirabel.com