More Lettuce & Spinach Varieties
Red Leaf Lettuce
Scientific Binomial Name: Lactuca sativa
Selection Information
Usage: Salads, sandwiches, garnish.
Selection: Good-quality red leaf lettuce will have fairly large, loose heads and thick, "crumpled" leaves. The leaves will be medium to dark-red in color at the ends. The rest of the leafs will be medium to dark-green 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.
Red Leaf Lettuce Nutritional Information
|
Serving Size: 1 ounce, raw (28g)
|
|
| Amount Per Serving |
|
|
Calories 4
|
Calories from Fat 1
|
|
|
% Daily Value* |
|
Total Fat 0g |
0% |
|
Cholesterol 0mg |
0% |
|
Sodium 7mg |
0% |
|
Total Carbohydrate 1g |
0% |
|
Dietary Fiber 0g |
|
|
Sugars 0g |
|
|
Protein 1g |
|
|
Vitamin A 42% |
Vitamin C 2% |
|
Calcium 1% |
Iron 2% |
|
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. |
|
Red Leaf Lettuce is a good source of Dietary Fiber, Calcium, Magnesium, Phosphorus and Selenium, and a great source of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Thiamin, Riboflavin, Vitamin B6, Folate, Iron, Potassium and Manganese.
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.
- Lettuce contains the antioxidant compound 0-beta-carotene and anthocyanin which provides the red coloring found in some lettuce varieties.