The supply of both Green and Red Baby Butter Cakes™ lettuce is strong. "Since launching in 2023, we've steadily increased our plantings to meet rising demand, a trend we expect will continue," says Matt Hiltner of Babé Farms, Inc. "While they are grown year-round at Babé Farms, as we enter our warmest months, we anticipate abundant supplies continuing into fall and beyond."
The unique lettuce item's name comes from the buttery flavor and cake-like shape of the product. Baby Butter Cakes contain three times more soft, uniform, ribboning leaves that hold onto all types of dressings than the average butterhead lettuce.
Hiltner says that demand for the product has remained consistently strong since its introduction two years ago. "Chefs and end-users in key distribution areas continually seek reliable, distinctive ingredients with excellent shelf-life. Baby Butter Cakes meet these needs, allowing chefs to elevate their salad offerings while remaining price-conscious," says Hiltner, adding that they can be used in all salad formats, sandwiches, burgers, poké, and more. "Affordable luxury items like this allow chefs to move away from bagged salads and inspire more artistic plating and fresh, visually appealing dishes."
© Babe Farms
Pairing partners
That includes seasonally pairing with sliced stone fruit, artisan cheeses, and a tangy vinaigrette in the summer or being featured in a Valentine's salad with strawberries, radish roses and more. Hiltner adds that the versatility and year-round availability of the lettuce product also allows it to find a place on menus during all seasons.
As with all of the grower's baby head lettuces, the Baby Butter Cakes are all grown in the Santa Maria Valley. "We've recently experienced typical 'June gloom' conditions in the Santa Maria Valley, with cooler-than-usual night-time temperatures," says Hiltner, adding that despite this, the product continues to thrive and is in excellent condition for the summer demand.
Meanwhile, pricing on this product is relatively consistent with last year's levels.
Looking ahead, the forecast for the next two weeks indicates gradually warming nighttime temperatures in the Santa Maria Valley, which should further strengthen the supply.
For more information:
Matt Hiltner
Babé Farms, Inc.
Tel.: +1 (805) 925-4144
[email protected]
www.babefarms
