3 Aug 2012 --- Vegetarians who have always secretly wanted to try the seductive saltiness of an oyster, will be able to, thanks to Waitrose, who launch the new ‘oyster leaf’.

The new Oyster leaf is a fleshy green leafed vegetable which can be used to replace the taste of oysters for those living a vegetarian lifestyle . It can also be served alongside white fish, adding an interesting element to seafood dishes.

A favourite of chefs such as Ferran Adria, at his former restaurant, El Bulli and restaurants such as Noma, this new vegetable is set to be a favourite of dinner parties across the country.

Serve them as Ferran Adria does with two pearls of vinegarette on each leaf or serve on crushed ice, as you would a real oyster and accompany with a cold glass of white wine.

Rhonwen Cunningham, salad buyer at Waitrose says, ‘With a distinctive, salty taste, this green leaf might not look like much but it certainly packs a punch. We’ve launched a variety of sea vegetables, with a similar saltiness in Waitrose over the last year and they’ve been incredibly popular. We are expecting the oyster leaf to be another success – especially as it has been such a great focus of experimental dishes in famous restaurants in the UK and abroad.’

Available in Waitrose for the next four to six weeks. £1.99 for 20g pack.