Teen Leaf lettuce is emerging as a key player in the salad greens market, offering a unique option between traditional whole-head lettuce and popular baby leaf mixes.
Addressing growing consumer demand, BASF | Nunhems has developed the StarSense™ product line, focusing on crispy varieties within this new Teen Leaf segment. Regional Crop Lead for high-tech lettuce, Osvaldo Hagelsieb, reveals the potential of this innovation for growers and consumers alike.
"Teen Leaf lettuce strikes the perfect balance for consumers," says Osvaldo Hagelsieb, part of BASF's vegetable seeds business under the Nunhems brand. "It's large enough to be recognised as a true lettuce leaf, but small enough to be 'forkable' and convenient to eat. The uniformity in size and texture after a single cut at the base makes it a favourite for both consumers and foodservice."
While baby leaf lettuce is harvested when small and tender, Teen Leaf offers a slightly larger, crisper, and firmer texture, yet remains smaller than a fully grown lettuce head. Its unique characteristics make it ready to eat straight after harvesting, without the need for additional processing.
A Surge in Popularity
Teen Leaf lettuce is rapidly gaining popularity, particularly from Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) systems such as hydroponics, due to its freshness, flavour, and convenience.
"What we call the 'eating experience' is key to the rise of Teen Leaf lettuce," explains Osvaldo. Factors such as crunchiness, flavour, and product consistency throughout the year contribute to this enhanced experience. With no pesticide residue, reduced time from harvest to consumption, and competitive pricing compared to field-grown lettuce, Teen Leaf is a hit among consumers.
This shift is especially evident in regions distant from key lettuce-producing areas like Arizona and California. CEA systems deliver fresher products without long-distance travel. "Just a few years ago, I tried a hydroponic Teen Leaf lettuce from a high-density system, and I was blown away. It's a game-changer, especially for consumers far from traditional growing regions," says Osvaldo.
The Breeding Breakthrough
BASF | Nunhems has been at the forefront of this trend, launching its StarSense™ product line. Focused on crispy varieties, the line received high praise during a 2022 U.S. consumer panel, with StarSense™ scoring 2-to-1 in crunchiness and 5-to-1 in juiciness over competing brands.
"StarSense™ is a promise to deliver remarkable eating experiences, with crispiness, good taste, and an appealing appearance. We believe this is what will drive continued growth in the Teen Leaf segment," says Osvaldo.
The StarSense™ varieties are the result of over two decades of breeding efforts, particularly for hydroponic systems. According to Osvaldo, the rise of Teen Leaf lettuce is driven by three key factors: technological advancements, visionary entrepreneurship, and focused breeding programmes.
"Technological development in high-tech greenhouses has laid the foundation for more sustainable, large-scale production," he says. Visionary growers and marketers have capitalised on the opportunity for CEA-grown lettuce, filling a niche market previously dependent on lettuce transported long distances. "This has created a new eating experience for consumers."
Time-Intensive Development
The journey from concept to market for a new Teen Leaf variety is a lengthy process. "It can take five to seven years to develop a new variety," Osvaldo explains, highlighting the need for trialling and data collection across different growing systems to ensure consistency in yield, texture, and flavour. Beyond breeding, scaling up seed production and ensuring quality seed enhancement are crucial steps in the launch of a new variety.
"We face the same learning curve as our growers in optimising production, ensuring our varieties perform well in real-world, high-tech environments."
Meeting Growers’ and Consumers’ Needs
BASF | Nunhems collaborates closely with growers to ensure their varieties align with market demands and production requirements. Feedback from growers helps refine breeding strategies based on real-world performance in terms of agronomy, yield, and consumer satisfaction.
"Cooperation with growers and other industry players is indispensable to achieving our goals," concludes Osvaldo. With the growing interest in Teen Leaf lettuce, BASF | Nunhems’ continued focus on innovation promises to bring even more exciting developments to the market.
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