Green Leaf Lettuce
Estimated Inventory, 24 ct : 15.21
This item was last sold on : 07/27/25
Description/Taste
Green Leaf lettuce is medium to large in size, growing in an elongated shape, and is narrow and small at the base fanning out to a wide, curly, loose top. The leaves connect to a central stalk, branch out in all directions, and are tender, smooth, and broad with many curls and frills. The edges of the leaves are dark to bright green and as they transition into the juicy stalk the color changes to pale-green or white. Green leaf lettuce is crisp and has a sweet or bitter smell when the stalk is scratched, depending on the specific variety. The leaves also have a mildly sweet or semi-bitter flavor, and the bitterness often occurs in maturing greens versus young greens.
Seasons/Availability
Green Leaf lettuce is available year-round.
Current Facts
Green Leaf lettuce, botanically classified as Lactuca sativa, is the general name provided for dozens of varieties that produce semi-frilled, loose-leaf lettuces and are members of the Asteraceae family. Green Leaf lettuces can grow up to thirty centimeters in height and are one of the most commonly planted lettuces in the world. Favored for its cut-and-come-again nature, which allows the lettuce to continue growing new leaves as the outer leaves are harvested, Green Leaf lettuce is extremely versatile and is used by both chefs and home cooks in a wide variety of fresh culinary applications.
Nutritional Value
Green Leaf lettuce contains vitamins A, C, K, and folate.
Applications
Green Leaf lettuce is best suited for fresh applications and is most commonly used as a wrap, garnish, in salads, or as a layer in a sandwich. The leaves can be torn or sliced and used as a crunchy element in a salad, layered in burgers or sandwiches such as a French dip and croque-monsieur, or used as a bed for meatloaf, chicken salad, stir-fries, and slow braised meats and grilled fish. Green Leaf lettuce can also be used to wrap summer rolls, tabbouleh, and mushroom burgers or used for tacos. Green Leaf lettuce pairs well with bulgur wheat, red peppers, carrots, cucumbers, tomatoes, green onions, garlic, capers, shallots, ginger, poultry, fish, herbs such as cilantro, mint, coriander, turmeric, and pineapple. The leaves will keep up to ten days when wrapped in paper towels and stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator. It is important to store the lettuce away from fruits such as bananas, apples, and pears as they release a natural gas which causes the lettuce to wilt.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Green Leaf lettuce is unique in that it grows from a central stem and produces single, branched leaves versus an entire, compact head. Due to the tender nature of the leaves and its short lifespan, Green Leaf lettuce is often incorporated into baby lettuce mixes as these mixes are generally used immediately for best flavor. It is also a favorite lettuce for home gardeners as it is resistant to bolting, easy to grow, and can grow in containers and small spaces.
Geography/History
Green Leaf lettuce was first described in 1753 by Carl Linnaeus in the second volume of his Species Plantarum and is native to Europe. Favored by seasoned gardeners, Green Leaf lettuce flourished in the late 19th and early 20th centuries and can be found at supermarkets, farmers markets, and specialty grocers in North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia.
Featured Restaurants
Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.
| Carolines Seaside Cafe | La Jolla CA | 619-646-1481 |
| Saint Mark Golf and Resort, LLC | San Marcos CA | 508-320-6644 |
| San Diego Humane Society | San Diego CA | 619-299-7012 |
| Kensington Cafe | San Diego CA | 619-684-0044 Fausto |
| Shimbashi Izakaya | Del Mar CA | 858-523-0479 |
| Cutwater Spirits | San Diego CA | 619-672-3848 |
| Ridgeview Health Center | San Diego CA | 858-293-3950 |
| Cliffhanger Cafe Menu | San Diego CA | 858-452-9858 |
| Turf Supper Club | San Diego CA | 619-234-6363 |
| Aztec Shop Catering | San Diego CA | 619 594-3576 |
| Point Loma Seafood | San Diego CA | 619-223-1109 |
| Public House 131 | San Diego CA | 858-537-0890 |
| San Diego Yacht Club | San Diego CA | 619-758-6334 |
| Pacific Cafe & Catering (Medical Cntr Dr.) | La Jolla CA | 619-808-4087 |
| Whiskey Girl | San Diego CA | 619-236-1616 |
| DoubleTree By Hilton San Diego | San Diego CA | 619-881-6900 |
| Monarch School (Nutrition Lab) | San Diego CA | 619-804-1766 |
| Kairoa Brewing Company | San Diego CA | 858-735-0051 |
| KI's | Encinitas CA | 760-586-8289 |
| Crest Cafe | San Diego CA | 619-295-2510 |
| Nunu's Tavern | San Diego CA | 619-756-4009 |
| BFD-Big Front Door | San Diego CA | 619-723-8183 |
| Sheraton La Jolla | San Diego CA | 858-453-5500 |
| Hilton Harbor Island | San Diego CA | 619-291-6700 |
| Syrah Spirit & Wine Parlor | San Diego CA | 619-234-4166 |
| Himitsu | La Jolla CA | 858-345-0220 |
| Hilton Mission Valley | San Diego CA | 619-543-9000 |
| Glenbrook Health Center | Carlsbad CA | 760-704-1000 |
| Sovereign Thai Cuisine | San Diego CA | 619-887-2000 |
| Project Wildlife | San Diego CA | 619-299-7012 |
| Ki's Kitchen Commissary | VISTA CA | 760-777-0700 |
| Moxy San Diego Gaslamp | San Diego CA | 619-376-1850 |
| Embassy Suites Downtown | San Diego CA | 619-481-9349 |
| Reata Glen | Ladera Ranch CA | 949-545-2250 |
| Sushi Ota 2021 | San Diego CA | 858-270-5047 |
| The Guild Hotel | San Diego CA | 619-764-5108 |
| SB Kitchen (Bar) | Solana Beach CA | 610-717-7217 |
| Hane | San Diego CA | 619-339-6438 |
| Harmony Cuisine 2B1 | San Diego CA | 858-737-4777 |
| Nadolife Production | San Diego CA | 619-239-1224 |
| UCSD Food & Nutrition Department La Jolla | San Diego CA | 858-761-1269 |
| Crafted @ Minerva's Cafe | La Jolla CA | 858-699-4129 |
| UCSD Food & Nutrition Department Hillcrest | San Diego CA | 619-380-9840 |
| Del Mar Country Club | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-759-5995 |
| Mavericks Beach Club | San Diego CA | 858-999-0348 |
| Maderas Golf Club | Poway CA | 858-451-8100 |
| Milton's Delicatessen, Grill & Bakery | Del Mar CA | 858-792-2225 |
| Hilton Garden Inn | San Diego CA | 858-720-9500 |
| Gravity Heights Restaurant and Brewery | San Diego CA | 858-551-5105 |
| Marriott Courtyard Old Town | San Diego CA | 619-260-8500 |
| Miguel's Old Town | San Diego CA | 619-298-9840 |
| The Field Irish Pub & Restaurant | San Diego CA | 619-232-9840 |
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Green Leaf Lettuce. One
is easiest, three is harder.| Sippity Sup |
|
Lettuce-Wrapped Vietnemese Pork Burgers |
| Green Lite Bites |
|
Asian Inspired Turkey Orzo Lettuce Wraps |
