Vegetable of the Month - Lettuce
/Did you know...?
- It is believed that lettuce was first cultivated in Egypt 6,000 years ago.
- Lettuce is a member of the sunflower family.
- Ancient Greeks served lettuce at the end of the meal because they believed it induced sleep.
- The darker the lettuce, the more nutrients it provides.
- Fibers are concentrated in the ribs, and the minerals and vitamins are concentrated in the leafy parts.
- Varieties with dark green leaves are a good source of beta carotene.
- Most important nutrition in lettuce are potassium and Vitamin A.
- Do not cut or slice lettuce leaves in advance. Damaged, cut lettuce leaves release an ascorbic acid oxidase, which destroys vitamin C and causes the cut edges to discolor.