“They delivered Tropicana Lettuce, Eggplant, and Tomatoes to our Ponce earthquake relief kitchen...We always try to buy local & support business here!” - Chef Jose Andres
Often a base for a typical salad or to top off a juicy burger, head lettuce is almost a tradition for many families.
Five Fun Facts
- Scientific name: Lactuca sativa
- Tropicana takes around 50-60 days from seed to harvest
- Tropicana grows best at 60-65 degrees F and has also proven to be heat resistant.
- Tropicana can be grown with or without the use of soil present!
- The vibrant green leaves of a Tropicana lettuce are really big so a few crisp leaves go a long way when making a salad!
Nutrition Info
In a cup of chopped lettuce, which is about 10 calories, you’ll get a good percentage of your daily required values of the following nutrients:
- Vitamin A 86%
- Vitamin C 4%
It’s also a small source of:
- Potassium 3%
- Iron 2 %
- Calcium 1%
Benefits
This lettuce contains a great deal of vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin A, which is good for your eyes, skin, and immune system. It also contains antioxidants which can prevent cancer, vitamin C which helps prevent cardiovascular disease and aids in the production of collagen for skin and muscles, and vitamin K which is essential for your blood to function properly when you get a cut. It also is a good source of fiber, iron, and B vitamins. It has a fairly high water content, as well.
Cautions
Wash thoroughly before use to remove dirt and any bacteria, as you would with any other produce. Keep refrigerated to preserve nutrients.
Suggested Recipes
Braised Lettuce - a side dish, low calorie, gluten-freeEmeril Lagasse’s Lettuce Soup - main dish, gluten-free
Simple Lettuce Salad - salad, gluten-free, vegetarian
Perfect Garden Salad - salad, vegan, gluten-free
Spiced Lettuce Cake Bars with Lemon Cream Cheese Icing - vegetarian
For the Kids and Kids-at-Heart
Download this activity sheet to play Greens Bingo!
Credits and thanks in addition to recipes and information linked above: Foodchainlex.org; Healthyeating.sfgate.com; MyFitnessPal.com; Pixabay.com; Twitter-Chef Jose Andres.
Inclusion of a link does not imply WHF endorsement of all content at that link.