Sugar loaf is a salad plant, also known as meatballs. Although it is cultivated in this country, it is still not very common. Since the question of cutting comes up from time to time, let's take a closer look at it here.
Sugar loaf can be harvested from the end of September
Sugarloaf makes heads
Within eight to twelve weeks after sowing or planting, the sugar loaf forms loose, elongated heads, which are composed of several layers of leaves. This growth habit makes it clear that pruning is not part of the care of the sugar loaf.
Cutting at harvest time
Depending on the weather and planting time, the harvest time for this type of lettuce begins at the end of September or the beginning of October. Anyone who has brought the seedlings forward can even look forward to an earlier harvest in August. Then the sugar loaf head can be cut off from the root. A sharp knife is ideal for this.
Position the knife just below the head. The root is allowed to remain in the ground, where it will rot over time.
Freshly cut for current needs
This salad is best prepared fresh, so try not to harvest the bed all at once. Only cut off as many heads as you currently need.
- Sugar Loaf stays fresh for a long time in the bed
- can overwinter in the bed in light frost
- under ideal conditions, harvest time can extend into winter
- especially in mild regions and mild winters
tips
Short storage is also possible in the vegetable compartment of the refrigerator at home. Before that, the sugar loaf is wrapped in a plastic bag.
Cut for longer storage
If it gets uncomfortable outside and the Sugar Loaf is threatened with continuous rain or severe frost, you should harvest all the heads. You can cut them all off, wrap them separately in damp paper and then store them in a cool place.
For two other storage methods, however, you should not cut off the heads, but pull them out of the ground with the roots. Only then cut off the outer, loose leaves. Then hang the prepared heads upside down in a cool room or pound them loosely in damp sand.