Where to Buy Mâche Lettuce Near Me

Mâche lettuce, also known as corn salad, lamb’s lettuce, field lettuce, and rapunzel, is a tasty and nutrient-rich green that deserves a spot in every salad lover’s crisper drawer. However, this European delicacy can be tricky to find in many parts of the US. As someone who adores the velvety texture and mild, nutty flavor of mâche, I’ve spent years searching for this elusive leafy green. After scouring grocery stores, farmers markets, and specialty food shops, I’ve discovered the best places to buy mâche lettuce close to home.

Understanding Mâche Lettuce

Before diving into where to buy it, let’s look at what exactly mâche lettuce is. Mâche goes by many monikers, including lamb’s lettuce, field lettuce, and corn salad. This cool-weather crop is native to Europe and grows wild in fields as a weed. The official botanical name is Valerianella locusta.

The tender, spoon-shaped leaves form a loosely bunched head ranging from pale green to dark green in color. The texture is delicate and velvety. Mâche has a mild, nutty, almost sweet flavor. It packs a hefty nutritional profile, delivering vitamin C, vitamin A, folate, iron, and calcium.

This versatile green transitions seamlessly from raw salads to lightly cooked preparations. It works wonderfully in mesclun salad mixes or served solo with a simple lemon vinaigrette. Mâche also shines when quickly wilted into soups, pasta dishes, and sautees.

So why is this European staple still relatively rare stateside compared to arugula, kale, and other greens? Two primary factors limit accessibility in the US – climate and cultivation challenges Mâche thrives in cool conditions and can be difficult to cultivate on a mass scale However, you can find mâche lettuce if you know where to look.

Checking Mainstream Grocery Stores

Large supermarket chains will occasionally carry mâche lettuce, but it’s not a consistent offering. Specialty stores like Whole Foods are more likely to sell mâche than regular grocers. Here are tips for finding mâche at main grocery stores:

• Check the packaged salad greens section for spring mix or mesclun blends containing mâche. It’s often mixed with other lettuces.

• Scan the fresh herb area Mâche bunches are sometimes shelved beside herbs and salad greens

• Ask the produce manager if they ever carry mâche. It may be a seasonal item. Request they stock it if possible.

• Check for local brands. Regional produce companies may offer mâche grown closer to you than large national suppliers.

• Try higher-end stores like Whole Foods, Sprouts, Earth Fare, and Fresh Market which are more apt to carry specialty greens.

• Watch for mâche at grocery stores during the fall through early spring when it’s in peak season.

Farmers Markets and Farm Stands

Outdoor farmers markets and farm stands are my top choice for finding fresh, locally grown mâche lettuce. Here are some tips:

• Ask vendors if they grow mâche. Many farmers are happy to plant it if they know customers want it.

• Try visiting late fall through early spring when mâche is at optimal season.

• Stop by smaller organic or specialty produce stands which sell unique varieties.

• Farmers markets and CSAs in areas with cool climates, like the Pacific Northwest and Northeast, will be more likely to offer mâche.

• Grow your own! Purchase mâche seeds from reputable companies like Johnny’s Selected Seeds, Fedco Seeds, or Hudson Valley Seed Company.

Specialty Grocers and Health Food Stores

Smaller gourmet grocery shops, health food stores like Sprouts, and co-ops generally have a better produce selection than big chains. Here’s how to use them to find mâche:

• Scout the pre-made salad bar for mixes with mâche. You can buy just what you need.

• Check for freshly bunched mâche greens shelved in the produce section or herb area.

• Ask if it can be special ordered if not regularly stocked. Many smaller stores will happily order products for customers.

• Stores focused on local, organic, or hard-to-find ingredients are good bets for mâche.

Online Shopping and Delivery

When all else fails, the internet provides! Websites like Amazon Fresh, FreshDirect, and Instacart allow you to shop a wide range of stores online and have groceries delivered.

• Browse for mâche greens on grocery and meal kit delivery sites. Compare prices and delivery fees.

• Search farmer’s market listings for vendors selling mâche. Many offer online ordering and delivery.

• Use Instacart to browse listings and place orders with health food markets or high-end grocers likely to carry mâche.

• Check Amazon for deals on bulk mâche seeds to grow your own.

The Hunt for Mâche Continues…

The scarcity of mâche lettuce in many parts of America remains a mystery. But a lack of this delicate green won’t deter me from enjoying its sublime taste and texture. I’ll continue to hunt down this European treat at grocery stores, farmers stalls, specialty shops, and anywhere else I can find it. With persistence and creativity, you can source this sensational salad green. Now go forth and eat your mâche!