Head lettuce is usually grown from seeds started indoors during warm weather for a fall garden. Transplant head lettuce in rows 12 to 18 inches apart with 10 to 12 inches between each plant. You don’t need lettuce to develop deep roots. In fact, you want to encourage leaf growth over rooting.
Where does most lettuce come from?
Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) is a popular vegetable that is widely grown and consumed throughout the world. China is the largest producer of lettuce, contributing 55% to the world’s total production by weight. By contrast, the United States contributes only about 16% to total lettuce production worldwide.
Where does lettuce come from?
Lettuce originated in the Mediterranean area and was first grown as a weed. The first documentation of cultivation begins in Ancient Egypt over 6,000 years ago, but it may have been cultivated in the Middle East prior to this. Ancient Egyptian artwork, especially tomb paintings, depicts different varieties of lettuce.
Is lettuce naturally occurring?
Common lettuce, Lactuca sativa, has its origins in the Middle East. ... Over time, the Egyptians bred their wild-type lettuce to have leaves that were less bitter and more palatable. The cultivated plants were still tall and upright, with separate leaves rather than heads.
Does lettuce come from cabbage?
03/7Plant species
Lettuce and Cabbage come from different plant species. Lettuce comes from Lactusa or Asteraceae family of vegetables whereas Cabbage belongs to the Brassica plant family.
Is cabbage healthier than lettuce?
If you’re looking for the healthier option of the two, choose cabbage . Lettuce varieties such as red leaf lettuce and romaine are also good options. Cabbage, including green and red cabbage, is typically higher in vitamins, minerals, and beneficial plant compounds than iceberg lettuce.
Why is lettuce healthy?
Lettuce is a source of vitamin K , which helps strengthen bones. Consuming adequate amounts of vitamin K can also reduce your risk of bone fracture. Water makes up over 95% of raw lettuce. As a result, eating lettuce hydrates the body.
Why is lettuce so high?
Quick Answer: It has to do with environmental factors . Sweltering summer weather arrived early on, and as a result farmers are dealing with difficult growing conditions for lettuce. But this is not the first time lettuce prices have soared...
When did humans start eating lettuce?
Lettuce cultivation began in the United States in the 1600s when John Winthrop Jr. brought lettuce seeds to America from England.
Is salad one of your 5 a day?
The “salad” in your sandwich
Although sliced cucumber, tomato or lettuce in a sandwich can contribute towards your 5-a-day, it’s unlikely that there will be 80g of vegetables in your salad, which is how much you need for it to count as one portion of vegetables.
Can lettuce have worms?
A study has found parasites lurking in the supposedly clean leafy greens of pre-washed lettuce. Medical Specialist Avis Favaro has details. ... The University of Manitoba’s Rick Holley, from the department of food science, says he was surprised at the levels of parasites in lettuce.
Can you eat cabbage raw like lettuce?
It’s Very Easy to Add to Your Diet. In addition to being super healthy, cabbage is delicious. It can be eaten raw or cooked and added to a wide variety of dishes like salads, soups, stews and slaws.
Can I eat lettuce everyday?
Loaded with vitamins and minerals, eating a salad a day will also increase the level of powerful antioxidants in your blood. The basis of any salad, leafy greens, offer a huge nutritional benefit. Among the best of the super greens group are: kale, spinach, beet greens, watercress and Romaine lettuce (3).
