Μαρούλι και ντομάτες. Πηγή: Στάλω Λαζάρου.
Vrenthis' is the ancient Cypriot name for lettuce. It is described as a red-white variety with smooth leaves.
Name - Origin
Μαρούλι.
Thridax (ancient name).
Additional information and bibliography
According to Nicander of Colophon (2nd c. BC) in the second book of his work 'Γλώσσαι' ("Difficult words"), the Cypriots used to call lettuce by the name 'βρένθίς' (vrénthis). This information is rescued by Athenaeus (2nd-3rd c. AD) in his work 'Deipnosophistae' (Michaelides 1998, 31). In fact, he records that Adonis sought shelter in this plant when he was being chased by the boar that eventually killed him.
The Cyprus lettuce is also mentioned by Columella (1st century AD) in his work 'On agriculture'. He describes it as a red-white variety with smooth leaves and that the best time to plant it is until 15 April (Collumella, On agriculture 11.27).
Athenaeus, Dipnosophistae 9.393a in: Gulick, C.B. translation (1969) Athenaeus-The Deipnosophists, Loeb Classical Library vol.1. Cambridge: Harvard University Press, 300-301.
Columella, On agriculture 11.3.27 in: Forster E.S., Heffner E.H. (translation) (1993). Collumella- On agriculture (Loeb Classical Library vol.3), Harvard University Press, Cambridge, 144-145.
Michaelides, D. (1998) 'The Food in Ancient Cyprus' in: Lysaght, P., Food and the Traveller-Migration, Immigration, Tourism and Ethnic group, Intercollege Press, Nicosia.
Natassa Charalambous
Φυτεία μαρουλιών στο Ακάκι. Πηγή: Στάλω Λαζάρου.
Μαρούλια (Κυπερούντα). Πηγή: Στάλω Λαζάρου.
Traditional Recipes
Rocket and lettuce salad
"Cut the rocket and lettuce into a bowl, along with the tomato, cucumber and onion. Add the capers." (Panagiota Savva, Agros)