Green Leaf Lettuce

Scientific Binomial Name: Lactuca sativa

Selection Information

Usage: Salads, sandwiches, garnish.

Selection: Good-quality green leaf lettuce will have fairly large, loose heads and thick, "crumpled" leaves. The leaves will be medium to dark-green in color blending to nearly white ribs or veins. Scratch the stalk and smell. A sweet or bitter smell means sweet or bitter flavor.

Avoid Avoid product with thin, wilted leaves and brown spots near the stalk end. Extremely solid, light-colored heads mean all core and less taste.

Seasonal Information

Available year-round from California and Arizona.

Washington lettuce is available from May to October.

Green Leaf Lettuce Nutritional Information

Serving Size: 1 ounce, raw (28g)
Amount Per Serving
Calories 4	Calories from Fat 0
	% Daily Value*
Total Fat 0g	0%
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 0g	1%
Sugars 0g
Protein 0g
Vitamin A 41%	Vitamin C 8%
Calcium 1%	Iron 1%
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. Source: PMA's Labeling Facts

Green Leaf Lettuce is very low in Saturated Fat and Cholesterol. It's also a good source of Protein, Calcium, Magnesium and Phosphorus, and a great source of Dietary Fiber, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Thiamin, Riboflavin, Vitamin B6, Folate, Iron, Potassium and Manganese.

Green Lettuce Tips & Trivia

Modern lettuce had its start as a Mediterranean weed. As early as 55 B.C., lettuce was served on the tables of Persian kings and praised for its medicinal values. The name comes from Latin words referring to its milky juice.