Produce Name: Lettuce - Romaine Red

Availability: All Round the Year

Red Romaine has a pretty red tinge to the leaves. Good-quality Romaine lettuce will have fairly large, moderately firm heads and thick leaves. The leaves will be medium to dark-green in color blending to nearly white ribs or veins. Scratch the stalk and smell. A sweet or bitter smell means sweet or bitter flavor. Large, even-shaped heads with broad, fairly loose leaves are best.

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
According to the American Cancer Institute and the American Cancer Society, foods rich in vitamin A and C (antioxidants) offer protection against some forms of cancer. Along with other phytochemical, antioxidants reduce the risk of cancer of the respiratory system and intestinal tract.