Daily Dish the Sonoma Market blog
Foodie FAQs: Leaf Lettuce
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Whether layered in a sandwich, used as a wrap or chopped up for a fresh, crisp salad, lettuce is a staple in any veggie lover's diet. Our latest edition of Foodie FAQs dives into the many versatile types of leaf lettuce, along with pro tips on the best ways to pick it, store it and use it. Lettuce begin!
Whether layered in a sandwich, used as a wrap or chopped up for a fresh, crisp salad, lettuce is a staple in any veggie lover's diet. Our latest edition of Foodie FAQs dives into the many versatile types of leaf lettuce, along with pro tips on the best ways to pick it, store it and use it. Lettuce begin!
What are some common types of lettuce? Romaine, butter, iceberg, arugula, radicchio, frisee and endives, just to name a few.
Which varieties are considered to be leaf lettuce? Leaf lettuce refers to varieties that don’t produce any type of head but grow from a single stock, including red leaf, green leaf and romaine leaf lettuce.
Aside from salads, what are some tasty ways to enjoy lettuce? They’re great for wraps, pureed into chilled soups or used to make pesto with arugula. Most leaf lettuces are best eaten raw, though grilled romaine is also delicious—just toss lightly in olive oil and season with salt, pepper and vinegar as desired.
Any tips for taking a basic salad to the next level? Use a mix of different lettuces to create a depth of flavor and varying textures.
How do you choose the freshest lettuce? Look for bright colors, firm tight heads and rigid leaves with no browning on the leaf tips or rusting of leaves.
What is the best way to store leaf lettuce? Store as whole heads wrapped with a damp towel in a plastic bag. If they are individual leaves, wash and spin them to remove most of the moisture, and then store in a towel-lined bag or rigid airtight container with a lid. For living lettuce, keep in the refrigerator in its original container until you’re ready to use it.
How do you properly wash leaf lettuce? Separate the head into individual leaves, dunk in cold water then lift out to rinse off dirt or debris. Spin dry or layer on paper towels to remove excess moisture before serving or storing.
How much leaf lettuce grows in California? California produces approximately 90% of the leafy greens grown in the United States, and leads the nation in production of head lettuce, leaf lettuce, romaine lettuce, endives and many other leafy greens. Bonus: It's always lettuce season in California! The alternating climates in Northern and Southern California allow leafy greens to be grown year round.
Now that we’ve tossed that around, head over to the produce department at your local Nugget Markets to get your leaf lettuce and other great greens!
Written in partnership with the CA-Grown marketing agreement.
