The moniker “Miner’s Lettuce” comes from the California Gold Rush in the mid-1800s. Miners would consume this nutritious green to ward off scurvy due to its high vitamin C content. The leaves are said to have a mild, succulent flavor, making them a refreshing addition to the miner’s diet during their arduous endeavors[1].
This article will discuss Claytonia perfoliata, more commonly known as Miner’s Lettuce. It is a member of the purslane family (Montiaceae). This unassuming, yet nutrition-packed wild green has graced the plates of native peoples, foragers, chefs, and food enthusiasts for generations, and today, we’ll be exploring what you need to know to forage and prepare this incredible & easy to identify wild food.
Status
Nutritional Profile
Miner’s lettuce is nutrient-dense, providing one-third of your daily needs for Vitamin C per 100 grams (3.5 oz). They also contain 10% iron and 22% of your daily requirement of vitamin A[2,3].
| Nutrient | Content |
|---|---|
| Vitamin C | High (One-third of daily needs per 100g) |
| Iron | 10% |
| Calcium | Present |
| Omega-3 Fatty Acids | Present |
| Antioxidants | Rich |
| Vitamin A | 22% (of daily requirement per 100g) |
| Caloric Content | 20 |
How To Identify, Forage & Harvest Miner’s Lettuce
Miner’s lettuce is characterized by a unique growth habit and a particularly noticeable flower-leaf combination. The youngest leaves resemble little, spherical spades and are the first to appear in the spring. They grow toward the base of the plant. The ‘rosette’ leaves, which are more recognizable, grow after these. In reality, these leaves are two joined leaves that grow into a tiny, spherical leaf that resembles a bowl. A little cluster of white blossoms develops in the center of the bowl. This creates the appearance that the flowers are growing from the middle of a big, spherical leaf.
Leaf Structure: The leaves are circular and appear to clasp the stem, creating a unique “perfoliate” or “sandwiched” look.
Flower: Look for delicate white to pale pink flowers with five petals, arranged in a star-like shape.
Miner’s lettuce shares a striking resemblance with numerous other closely related members of the genus Claytonia, many of which are distributed throughout North and Central America. Fortunately, from a culinary perspective, they are also interchangeable and edible.
Where to Find Miner’s Lettuce
Miner’s Lettuce are particularly prevalent in damp, shaded locations, frequently in shadowy woods or at the base of trees. Wild miner’s lettuce grows in temperate regions west of the Rockies; it is particularly prevalent in Northern California. Similar settings can be found in Western Europe and some areas of Eastern North America, where the species has been introduced and allowed to become indigenous.
- Woodland Areas: Often found in moist, shaded woodlands.
- Open Meadows: Flourishes in open meadows and grassy areas.
- Coastal Regions: Coastal environments with cool temperatures and ample moisture.
Foraging Tips: Harvesting Miner’s Lettuce
Spring is the prime season for Miner’s Lettuce, typically from March to May.
Harvest the younger, more tender leaves, avoiding older, tougher ones. Steer clear of leaves that have stained, mottled, or reddish brown hues.
Although the leaves are somewhat little when they are young, they remain perfectly excellent (as long as they are still green and succulent) even older than many greens. Steer clear of leaves that appear too wilted or mushy.
To ensure the plant’s sustainability, only harvest no more than 10% of any given patch. This will help the population sustain itself.
Preparing Miner’s Lettuce for Dishes
Miner’s lettuce is a great complement to a variety of meals since it has a mild, slightly sweet flavor profile that is similar to spinach.
In terms of flavor, spinach can be a good alternative, but miner’s lettuce has a distinctive look that is difficult to match. Its subtle flavor complements many items, including fruits, sharp cheeses, almonds, black pepper, and vinaigrettes, enabling a variety of culinary creations. Miner’s lettuce doesn’t come in many notable variations, but it’s important to remember that a number of closely related Claytonia species are edible and have a similar appearance.
Foragers like Pascal Baudar are pioneering innovative ways to incorporate miner’s lettuce into culinary creations. From dressings and pastes to salsas, these creative uses showcase the versatility and potential of this edible green beyond traditional applications. Such experimentation highlights the adaptability of miner’s lettuce and inspires culinary enthusiasts to explore its diverse culinary possibilities further.
Cultivating Miner’s Lettuce at Home
If you’re feeling adventurous, consider growing Miner’s Lettuce in your own garden:
- Soil and Light: Plant in well-draining soil with partial shade to mimic its natural habitat.
- Seeds: Sow seeds in the fall for a spring harvest.
- Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, replicating its woodland environment.
References & Resources
- Schelstraete M, Kennedy BM. Composition of miner’s lettuce (Montia perfoliata). J Am Diet Assoc. 1980 Jul;77(1):21-25. PMID: 7391485.
- “Claytonia perfoliata.” Plants for a Future. https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Claytonia+perfoliata ↩
- Schelstraete M, Kennedy BM. Composition of miner’s lettuce (Montia perfoliata). J Am Diet Assoc. 1980 Jul;77(1):21-25. PMID: 7391485.
- “Healing with Medicinal Plants of the West” by James Adams, Michelle Wong, Enrique Villasenor, pg. 72-73
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