Did you know that Americans eat 30 pounds of lettuce per person each year? Lettuce is the 2nd most popular fresh vegetable in the United States, and California is the largest producer of lettuce in the country. What a great food lettuce is!
In just 2 cups of lettuce, which is only 10 calories, you can get 100% of your daily needs for vitamin A and vitamin K. It is also an excellent source of vitamin C and manganese. Choose dark lettuce leaves when you can, as these have more nutrients than the lighter ones.
To keep lettuce fresh store it in the refrigerator wrapped in a slightly damp paper towel in a plastic bag with holes in it. With proper storage your lettuce should stay fresh and ready to eat for an entire week. When you are ready to eat the lettuce rinse it in cold water and gently pat dry with a paper towel.
There are many ways to eat lettuce. Throw it on a sandwich, a burger, or a wrap. Add carrots or bell peppers and toss it with a low-fat dressing to make a delicious salad. Mix it in pasta or soup for added flavor and color. Stuff it with rice or other grains to make a healthy snack. However you choose to eat your lettuce, try to incorporate as many colors as you can into your meal because that will make sure you are getting a lot of different nutrients.
Posting provided by Rachael Beckert, trusted dietitic intern at UCSF Medical Center