Mesclun Mixes

Mesclun mixes have become popular gourmet fare, but what exactly makes it a mesclun mix? It might be easy to mistake mesclun as a type of plant, but a mesclun mix is simply a blend of salad greens that are harvested at the same time and served together. The varieties in a mesclun mix  - which vary, but often include arugula, mizuna, and a colorful blend of leaf lettuces- are typically grown closely together, and harvested  while the plants are still small, much like spring mix.

Some mesclun mixes emphasize bitter flavor- leaning heavy on endive and radicchio - while others use arugula, mizuna, and mustard greens to achieve a spicy flavor. Some mixes use varieties that bring a wider range of color and texture to the party.

Seed companies have caught on to the popularity of mesclun mix, and many now offer their own custom blended mixes.

Southern Exposure Seed Exchange  has a mesclun mix for all four seasons…

Spring Mesclun Mix : Long Standing Bloomsdale spinach, Australian Yellow lettuce, Red Deer Tongue Lettuce, Schweitzer's Mescher Bibb lettuce, Oakleaf lettuce, Tatsoi mustard greens, and Mizuna mustard greens

Summer Mesclun Mix : Tatsoi mustard greens, Magenta Magic orach, Parris Island Cos lettuce, Buttercrunch lettuce, Anuenue lettuce, and Jericho lettuce

Fall/Winter Mesclun Mix :  Parris Island Cos lettuce, Rouge d’Hiver lettuce, Red Deer Tongue lettuce, Devil's Tongue lettuce, Red Salad Bowl lettuce, Tatsoi mustard greens, Mibuna mustard greens, Long Standing Bloomsdale spinach

If you want a little more kick in your mesclun mix,  try the Spicy Mesclun Mix from Sow True Seed Co.  :

Spicy Mesclun Mix :  Giant Red Mustard, Ruby Streaks Mustard, Arugula, Mizuna, Tatsoi, and Red Russian Kale.

For a colorful mesclun mix, check out the Elegance Greens Mix from  Johnny’s Seeds :

Elegance Greens Mix : Pac Choi, Red Mustard, Mizuna, and leaf broccoli.