Romaine Lettuce
Selection Information
Usage: Lettuce, sandwiches & garnish.
Selection: Good-quality Romaine lettuce will have fairly large, moderately firm heads and thick 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. Large, even-shaped heads with broad, fairly loose leaves are best.
Avoid: Avoid product with thin, wilted leaves, brown spots near the stalk end and small and odd shaped heads. 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.
Romaine Lettuce Nutritional Information
Serving size 1 1/2 cup shredded (85g)
Calories 15
Total Fat 0g
Sodium 40mg
Total Carbohydrate 3g
Dietary Fiber 1g
Protein 1g
% of U.S. RDA
Vitamin A 10%
Calcium 2%
Vitamin C 4%
Iron 0%
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.