There are two different types of Oak Lettuce, Green and Red. Both are loose leaf lettuces, and have oak tree-like leaves that are only close to each other at the stem.
Green Oak Lettuce
The green leaves have a very mild bitterness that make them popular in mesclun mixes.
On the whole, its shape, taste and texture make it a good lettuce to mix with others in a salad.
Red Oak Lettuce
Red Oak Lettuce is as above, but the green leaves turn to wine-red at the tips for a more dramatic effect. The leaves also have a bit more of a bitter bite than the Green Oak.
Cooking Tips
Wilts quickly and easily. Revive in cold water.
Equivalents
1 pound lettuce = 450g = approx 6 cups torn
8 oz lettuce = 225g = approx 3 cups torn
2 oz shredded lettuce = 50g = 1 cup
8 oz shredded lettuce = 200g = 4 cups
History Notes
Oak Leaf Lettuces had appeared in Britain by 1699, as they were mentioned by John Evelyn in his gardening book Acetaria, published in that year.