Ingredient of the Week: Mache

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Pronounced "mawsh," it's also known as lamb's lettuce. At Whole Foods the other day, a woman picked up a prepackaged container and asked herself aloud, "What's mache?" I had no idea. But thanks to this story on NPR, I now have a little background to go on.

Mache is a salad green, shaped like a lamb's tongue, with a velvety texture and sweet taste when young and fresh. This is a more delicate flavor than intense, bitter and peppery spring mix favorites like arugula and radicchio.

Full of nutrients, mache is high in vitamin C, calcium and iron.

What is it used for?

Like most greens, mache is commonly used in salads, soups and stews. It also can be steamed as a side dish.

Where can you buy it in Houston?

Mache can be found in pre-packaged spring mixes, or by itself in health food stores and places like Whole Foods and Central Market.

Recipe: Mache Salad with Creole Vinaigrette: Courtesy of Epicurious.com