Produce Name: Red
Oak Leaf
Availability: All Round the Year
A Looseleaf that produces large heads of many oak-shaped leaves
which turn a deep burgundy as they mature -- grow in full sun for deepest colour. Somewhat
heat resistant, this is one of the most vigorous lettuces in cooler climates. Oak Leaf has
thin tender light green or brown/red leaves shaped like oak leaves, which form a rosette.
It forms intensive brown/red pigmentation under cool conditions with high light intensity.
Red Oak has a ruffle leaf with a fairly nut-like flavour, used in all kinds of salads.
Nutritional Facts
The nutritional value of lettuce varies with the variety. Lettuce in general
provides small amounts of dietary fiber, some carbohydrates, a little protein and a trace
of fat. Its most important nutrients are vitamin A and potassium. The vitamin A comes from
beta carotene, whose yellow-orange is hidden by green chlorophyll pigments. Beta carotene,
of course, is converted to vitamin A in the human body.
Medicinal / Therapeutic Use
It is claimed that lettuce is an excellent remedy for acid indigestion and
"heartburn." The bitter, milky latex sap is a mild narcotic and sleep inducer. |