Colour
Depending on the variety, lettuce leaves can range in colour from pale green to dark green or even reddish. Choose leaves that have a consistent colour and are free from discoloration
LETTUCE
Add some crunch with Lettuce in every bite
Fun-facts about Lettuce
While green is common, lettuce also comes in red, purple, and speckled varieties, adding visual interest to dishes
- Lettuce was grown in space by NASA in 2015, with astronauts aboard the ISS successfully harvesting and eating red romaine lettuce
- Lettuce festivals worldwide celebrate the vegetable’s cultural significance, like the “Lettuce Festival” in Saint-Georges-sur-Layon, France, featuring music, food, and parades
- Lettuce has appeared in art and literature, associated with Greek god Dionysus and depicted in works by artists like Caravaggio
- Lettuce leaves are commonly used as a low-carb substitute for bread or tortillas in dishes like lettuce wraps, providing a light and refreshing option for sandwiches or tacos
A step-by-step guide to pick Lettuce
Texture
The leaves should feel crisp and firm to the touch. Avoid lettuce that feels limp or rubbery, as this indicates it is past its prime.
Stem
Check the stems of the lettuce leaves. They should be fresh-looking and free from any signs of rot or mould.
Health benefits of Lettuce
Rich in Antioxidants
Regulates blood sugar levels
Detoxifies
the body
Improves sleep
Promotes
digestive health
Two quick and healthy Lettuce recipes
Recipe 1: Simple Lettuce Salad
- 1 head of lettuce (any variety you prefer, such as romaine, iceberg, or leaf lettuce)
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- 1 tomato, diced
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup olives (optional)
- Salad dressing of your choice (such as vinaigrette, ranch, or balsamic glaze)
Direction:
- Wash and dry the lettuce leaves thoroughly, then tear them into bite-sized pieces and place them in a salad bowl.
- Add the sliced cucumber, diced tomato, thinly sliced red onion, and olives (if using) to the bowl.
- Drizzle your desired amount of salad dressing over the salad ingredients.
- Toss everything together gently to coat the vegetables evenly with the dressing.
Recipe 2: Lettuce Wraps
Ingredients:
- 1 head of lettuce (such as butterhead or iceberg)
- 1 lb (450g) ground chicken, turkey, or tofu
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce or tamari (for gluten-free option)
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 cup cooked rice (optional)
- Sliced green onions, chopped cilantro, and sesame seeds for garnish
Directions:
- Wash the lettuce leaves and pat them dry. Carefully separate the leaves to create lettuce cups for wrapping the filling.
- In a skillet or wok, heat sesame oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and ginger and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the ground chicken, turkey, or tofu to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks.
- In a small bowl, mix together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and rice vinegar. Pour the sauce over the cooked meat or tofu and stir well to combine. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavours to meld.
- Spoon the filling mixture into the lettuce cups. If desired, add a spoonful of cooked rice to each lettuce cup for extra substance.
- Garnish with sliced green onions, chopped cilantro, and sesame seeds.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious and healthy lettuce wraps!
For more easy and healthy Lettuce recipes watch the video :