Lettuces

Details

Lettuces are best grown in the cooler temperatures in late spring and fall. During the heat of summer, lettuces can bolt and become tough and bitter. Lettuces encompass a wide range of leaf and head lettuces—romaine, crisphead (the lightest colored, such as iceberg), butterhead (Boston, bibb), and broad or curly leaf. All have differing nutritional contents roughly based on their coloring. Red and green leaf lettuce and romaine tend to have higher nutrient densities than lighter colored head lettuces. Look for crisp, unwilted leaves,

Fun facts: In China, lettuce represents good luck. Lettuce was introduced to North America by Columbus on his second voyage in 1493.

Nutrition: Shoot for the darker color lettuces to maximize nutrition, including vitamins A, K and C, folate and dietary fiber. It also contains some iron, potassium, B vitamins and others. Lettuce is a very low calorie food.