Perfection Fresh (Aust)

Artisan® lettuce - a new leaf

Artisan: n. 1. one who practices or cultivates an art; an artist - 1795 2. One occupied in any industrial art; a mechanic, handcraftsman, artificer - 1538

Attention foodies - introducing Artisan® lettuce!

Artisan® lettuce - a new, leafy green combination to appear on supermarket shelves this month - is Australia's answer to a worldwide culinary trend which carefully matches fresh produce production methods to crafted, customer-driven presentation styles. From farmgate to plate, the emphasis is on quality, skilled growing practices, distinctive varieties, taste, food safety, innovation, portion control, waste minimisation, a naturally longer life, and unique serving suggestions.

Originally developed in the United States by Californian lettuce producer Tanimura & Antle, Artisan® lettuce is now grown in Australia by selected Perfection Fresh growers.

Crop care and attention to detail is paramount. Quality and leaf colour are closely monitored right up to harvest, when growers handpick and pack on the farm, choosing two red and two green fully mature heads of baby soft-leafed lettuce for each punnet. Each punnet is packed with the best quality varieties available in the field at the time.

What is Artisan® lettuce?

Artisan® lettuce has been specially bred for the discerning consumer who craves lettuce as fresh as the day it was picked - with the convenience of a modern pack and the choice of when and how to use it.

It's farm fresh, has maximum flavour, delivers longer lasting lettuce and offers four lettuce heads in two colours in one pack.

Every pack contains either red or green baby gem lettuce, red or green oak leaf or red or green frillice lettuce. All types have their own distinctly individual flavour and texture.

Artisan® lettuce is grown in Cowra, New South Wales.

Award-winning packs

Artisan® lettuce comes in a distinctive clamshell punnet which has been specially designed to cradle and protect each head during its journey from the farm and extend shelf life up to 10 days.

The new-age Artisan® punnet was recognised at the Produce Marketing Association's 2009 Fresh Summit as a PMA Impact Aware finalist for Excellence in Packaging. It features a contoured tray with scallop-curved edges and four individual compartments.

Where is it available?

The first Artisan® lettuce will appear in supermarkets and independent retail outlets in New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria from this month and be available throughout summer. Artisan® lettuce will eventually be available year-round and sold nationally.

How to use Artisan® lettuce

Artisan® lettuce provides a fresh alternative to packaged salad mixes.

Leave heads intact until ready for use - then use as much, or as little, of each variety as you like. Use individually, or blend to taste.

Using Artisan® lettuce is easy - one cut, a quick rinse and it's ready. It holds its shape and texture when prepared and dressed and doesn't wilt or shrink.

Embrace the "artisan" theme by mixing and matching with artisan breads, cheeses and condiments sourced from farmers' markets and gourmet delis to create a flavour adventure.

Artisan® lettuce goes with...

• Artisan bread, sheep's milk cheese and beetroot relish.
• Onion marmalade or chilli pepper jam.
• Turkey breast and raspberry conserve.
• Caramelised balsamic salad dressing.
• Cooked pasta, mozzarella and chopped vegies.