Forellenschluss means “speckled like a trout” in German, which
describes this tasty butterhead lettuce aptly. The thick, light
green leaves have maroon speckles. Traceable to 1660 in Holland,
this lettuce traveled through Germany until in 1790 it was first
brought to Ontario, Canada, and then on to the US.
Forellenschluss has juicy, thick leaves and has been said to
taste similar to watercress. It is mild flavored,and has a
loose‐leaf romaine–type head. Also good to know is that
Forellenschluss lettuce holds well in summer heat. In a mere 55
days, you could be enjoying your very own speckled-like-a-trout
lettuce with over 340 years of history. Now that makes for some
interesting dinner conversation, doesn’t it? Seeds are available
at Seeds of Change, though seedpacks have also been spotted in
Providence-area Whole Foods stores.