Mache

Mache

Scientific Name:
Valerianella locusta

Family:
Caprifoliaceae

Varieties:

• Default (ID: 47)

Introduction

Valerianella locusta, commonly known as mâche, cornsalad, or lamb’s lettuce, is a small, herbaceous, annual flowering plant belonging to the Caprifoliaceae family. It is native to Europe, western Asia, and northern Africa, where it is widely consumed as a leaf vegetable. Mâche has been a part of European cuisine for centuries, initially foraged by peasants and later introduced to kitchen gardens by Jean-Baptiste de La Quintinie, the royal gardener of King Louis XIV.

Characteristics

Physical Characteristics

• Appearance: Mâche grows in a low rosette with spatulate leaves up to 15.2 cm long.
• Flowers: The plant produces bluish-white flowers in clusters when it bolts.
• Nutrition: It is rich in nutrients like vitamin C, beta-carotene, B6, iron, and potassium.

Growing Conditions

• Temperature: Prefers steady temperatures between 30-55°F (−1 to 13°C), tolerating as low as 5°F (−15°C) but bolts in temperatures over 60-70°F (15-21°C).
• Soil: Thrives in well-draining, slightly acidic to neutral soils (pH 6.5-7.0).
• Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade.
• Hardiness Zones: Grows well in zones 5-8, but can be grown as an annual in zones 2-10.

Lifecycle

• Germination: Seeds germinate in 7-12 days at soil temperatures between 50-70°F (10-21°C).
• Maturity: The plant matures in 40-70 days.
• Harvest: Leaves can be harvested continuously until the plant bolts.

Why is this crop useful for space?

Mâche is a promising crop for space cultivation due to several reasons: - Low Maintenance: It requires minimal care and can thrive in a variety of conditions, making it suitable for controlled environments like space habitats. - Nutritional Value: Rich in essential nutrients, providing a balanced diet for astronauts. - Compact Growth: Its small size and rosette growth pattern allow for efficient use of space in hydroponic or aeroponic systems. - Cool-Season Crop: It can grow well in cooler temperatures, which might be more feasible in space environments where maintaining high temperatures can be challenging.

History of Cultivation in Space

There is no specific information available on the cultivation of Valerianella locusta in space. However, its characteristics make it a candidate for future space agriculture projects aimed at providing sustainable food sources in space environments. Controlled environment agriculture (CEA) systems, which are being explored for space use, could potentially support mâche cultivation due to its adaptability to varied conditions.