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Produce Briefs...
Ramps
The wild ramp, AKA wild leek, botanical name Allium tricoccum, is a flowering perennial plant that grows in clusters. It is a member of the Allium family along with onions and leeks
Calamondin Limes
The Calamondin lime is a cross between a sour, loose skinned mandarin and a kumquat, therefore technically making it an orangequat.
Salanova® Lettuces
Salanova® lettuce is a full-sized variety developed for the baby lettuce market. Botanically these varieties are scientifically known as Lactuca sativa.
Description/Taste
Romaine lettuce is medium to large in size with an elongated shape and stiff, upright leaves. The thick heads are loosely connected to a central blanched base and the leaves, averaging 10-15 centimeters in length, are broad with many folds and creases. The outer leaves are dark green with a prominent white central rib, and as the leaves grow smaller in the center, they become paler in color almost fading to white. Romaine lettuce is crisp, succulent, and crunchy with a mild, slightly bitter taste.
Seasons/Availability
Romaine lettuce is available year-round, with a peak season in the winter.
Current Facts
Romaine lettuce, botanically classified as Lactuca sativa, is believed to be one of the oldest varieties of lettuce in the world and is a member of the Asteraceae family. Also known as Cos lettuce in England, Lattuga Romana in Italian, and Laitue Romaine in French, Romaine lettuce is one of the few varieties that grow upright, is tolerant of heat, and is commonly sold in whole heads or as hearts, which means the outer leaves are removed leaving only the tender, pale inner leaves. Romaine lettuce has been used by civilizations for thousands of years and is still popular worldwide, favored for its mild taste, firm stalks, and crunchy texture.
Nutritional Value
Romaine lettuce an excellent source of dietary fiber, vitamins A, C, and K, thiamin, folate, iron, potassium, and manganese. It is also a good source of riboflavin, vitamin B6, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and copper.
Applications
Romaine lettuce is best suited for both raw and cooked applications such as braising, grilling, and lightly boiling. The leaves can be used fresh and torn for salads, or they can be used as a dipping vessel for sauces, dips, and fillings. They can also be layered on sandwiches, burgers, and in wraps for added crunch. In addition to fresh preparations, Romaine lettuce can withstand high heat which makes it suitable for grilling, braising with cooked vegetables and meat, adding to soups, and chopping and mixing into stir-fries. Romaine lettuce pairs well with bulgur wheat, parsley, garlic, chives, tomatoes, roasted red pepper, citrus, avocado, apples, pears, black olives, capers, grilled steak, poultry, bacon, tuna, smoked fish, feta cheese, blue cheese, parmesan cheese, and hummus. The leaves will keep up to one week when wrapped in paper towels to absorb excess moisture and stored in the crisper drawer of the refrigerator.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Romaine lettuce has been used in cultures all over the world in both culinary and medicinal applications. In Egypt, there are ancient paintings on tomb walls that depict lettuce with pointed, elongated leaves and many experts believe it is a variety of Romaine. The lettuce was also served to Persian kings and used as an edible spoon for dips and spreads like tabbouleh in Syria. In addition to culinary use, in Rome, the milky liquid produced from the outer leaves was believed to have restorative properties and was used by many ancient healers to reduce symptoms of diseases and illness. Today Romaine is still a widely used variety and is most well-known for its use in the Caesar salad.
Geography/History
Romaine lettuce is native to the Mediterranean and the Middle East, growing since ancient times, and its two most recognizable names are derived from the papal gardens in Rome and the Aegean Islands of Cos. Originally considered a weed in the Mediterranean, Romaine lettuce is documented as being one of the oldest known cultivated varieties, having been grown for at least 5,000 years. Today Romaine lettuce is widely found at supermarkets, farmers markets, and specialty grocers in Asia, Europe, Australia, Africa, North America, and South America.
Featured Restaurants
Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.
| Marriot Courtyard Mission Valley | San Diego CA | 619-291-5270 |
| Chart House Restaurant Cardiff | Cardiff-by-the-Sea CA | 760-436-4044 |
| Vitality Tap - 1St Ave | San Diego CA | 619-237-7625 |
| The Market by Buon Appetito | San Diego CA | 619-237-1335 |
| Farm Fresh Meals | Vista CA | 760-707-2383 |
| Casino Inn Bar & Grill | Alpine CA | 619-445-9581 |
| Saint Mark Golf and Resort, LLC | San Marcos CA | 858-273-8440 |
| Bivouac Ciderworks | San Diego CA | 816-809-5193 |
| Third Corner Ocean Beach | San Diego CA | 619-223-2700 |
| Uptown Tavern | San Diego CA | 619-847-4688 |
| Island Palms Blue Wave Hotel & Marina | San Diego CA | 619-222-0561 |
| Pizza E Birra | San Diego CA | 619-916-8407 |
| Blue Water Seafood Market and Grill | San Diego CA | 619-497-0914 |
| Larsen's Steakhouse - La Jolla | San Diego CA | 310-407-9937 |
| Vivant Management | San Diego CA | 619-885-3718 |
| Le Papagayo | Encinitas CA | 760-944-8252 |
| Oliver & Rose | San Diego CA | 619-300-3395 |
| Bread & Cie Café | San Diego CA | 619-295-3172 |
| The Crack Shack-San Diego | San Diego CA | 619-795-3299 |
| Paradise Point Resort Tidal | San Diego CA | 858-490-6363 |
| Sorority Cuisine - Kappa Delta | San Diego CA | 510-512-2213 |
| Ulivo | San Diego CA | 619-962-7345 |
| Bahia Resort Hotel | San Diego CA | 858-488-0551 |
| Supernatural Sandwich (Little Italy) | San Diego CA | 619-230-5976 |
| Great Maple | San Diego CA | 619-255-2282 |
| Communal Coffee | San Diego CA | 619-920-7887 |
| Barrio Star | San Diego CA | 619-501-7827 |
| Portside Pier (Ketch) | San Diego CA | 858-268-1030 |
| Panama 66 | San Diego CA | 619-702-6373 |
| Fleming's Steakhouse La Jolla | San Diego CA | 858-535-0078 |
| K&L Neighborhood Eateries | San Diego CA | 619-964-3778 |
| Lil Piggy's | Coronado CA | 619-522-6890 |
| Miho Gastrotruck | San Diego CA | 619-867-4295 |
| Victoria Mahdion | San Diego CA | 619-987-3304 |
| Shake and Muddle | Chula Vista CA | 619-816-5429 |
| Wrench and Rodent | Oceanside CA | 760-840-1976 |
| Chateau Lake San Marcos | San Marcos CA | 760-471-0083 |
| Sublime Ale House-San Marcos | San Marcos CA | 760-510-9220 |
| Olive Tree Marketplace | San Diego CA | 619-224-0443 |
| Belching Beaver Brewery - Pub 980 | Vista CA | 760-732-1415 |
| Duke's La Jolla | La Jolla CA | 858-454-1999 |
| Sensations Salud | San Diego CA | 619-933-3489 |
| The Haven | San Diego CA | 619-964-3778 |
| Searcher | San Diego CA | 619-226-2403 |
| Lodge at Torrey Pines Grill | San Diego CA | 858-453-4420 |
| St. Paul's Plaza | Chula Vista CA | 619-239-6900 |
| Stake Chophouse & Bar | Coronado CA | 619-522-0077 |
| The Greenspot Salad- MV | San Diego CA | 619-230-5946 |
| Waters Catering | San Diego CA | 619-276-8803 x4 |
| The Greenspot Salad Co. | San Diego CA | 858-587-2585 |
| The Glen at Scripps Ranch | San Diego CA | 858-444-8500 |
| Brigantine Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 858-481-1166 |
| Landons East Meets West | San Marcos CA | 760-304-4560 |
| Supernatural Sandwich (Miramar) | San Diego CA | 858-831-7835 |
| Caffe Calabria Coffee Roasting Company | San Diego CA | 619-683-7787 |
| Oscars Brewing Company | Temecula CA | 619-695-2422 |
| BFD-Big Front Door | San Diego CA | 619-255-4100 |
| Churchill's Pub and Grille | San Marcos CA | 760-471-8773 |
| Il Dandy | San Diego CA | 609-373-5917 |
| Royal Polaris Sportfishing | San Diego CA | 619-226-8030 |
| The Cork and Craft | San Diego CA | 858-618-2463 |
| Kairoa Brewing Company | San Diego CA | 858-735-0051 |
| Local Greens Liberty Station | San Diego CA | 619-487-9346 |
| Belmont Park Entertainment | San Diego CA | 858-228-9283 |
| Ballast Point Restaurant - Little Italy | San Diego CA | 619-298-2337 |
| Brigantine La Mesa | La Mesa CA | 619-465-1935 |
| Third Corner Encinitas | Encinitas CA | 619-417-9251 |
| Cheesecake Factory Friars Rd | San Diego CA | 619-683-2800 |
| The Switchboard Restaurant and Bar | Oceanside CA | 760-807-7446 |
| Clambake Catering | San Diego CA | 858-220-9247 |
| Hyatt Islandia | San Diego CA | 619-224-1234 |
| Tavern at the Beach | San Diego CA | 858-272-6066 |
| The Plot | Oceanside CA | 422-266-8200 |
| Shogun Sportfishing | San Diego CA | 619-226-8030 |
| Red Tail Catering | San Marcos CA | 858-605-8219 |
| Miguel's Cocina Coronado | Coronado CA | 619-437-4237 |
| Bishop School | San Diego CA | 858-459-4021 x212 |
| Sisters Pizza | San Diego CA | 858-228-6822 |
| Surf Rider Pizza (Ocean Beach) | San Diego CA | 858-270-9900 |
| Panca Peruvian | Oceanside CA | 760-722-3396 |
| Pala Mesa Resort | Fallbrook CA | 706-728-5881 |
| Ki's Kitchen Commissary | VISTA CA | 760-438-8606 |
| Miguel's 4S Ranch | San Diego CA | 858-924-9200 |
| Village Pizzaria | Coronado CA | 619-522-6890 |
| Shoreside Support Boat | San Diego CA | 704-277-7929 |
| Peace Pies | San Diego CA | 619-618-6960 |
| Mimmos Italian Village | San Diego CA | 619-239-3710 |
| Alexander's on 30th | San Diego CA | 619-281-2539 |
| Park 101 | Carlsbad CA | 619-308-6500 |
| Trattoria I Trulli | Encinitas CA | 760-943-6800 |
| St. Paul's Senior Services | San Diego CA | 619-239-3527 |
| Village Vino | San Diego CA | 619-546-8466 |
| Inn at Rancho Santa Fe | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-381-8289 |
| The Greenspot Salad-4sRanch | San Diego CA | 619-865-0386 |
| JSIX American restaurant & Bar | San Diego CA | 619-531-8744 |
| Park Hyatt Aviara | Carlsbad CA | 760-448-1234 |
| Mesa College | San Diego CA | 619-388-2240 |
| Brigantine Coronado | Coronado CA | 619-435-4166 |
| Barefoot Coffee Cafe | Solana Beach CA | 310-428-4085 |
| La Jolla Country Club | San Diego CA | 858-454-9601 |
| My Yard Live | San Marcos CA | 619-339-1686 |
| Bobs Specialty Meats | Escondido CA | 760-839-6850 |
| Town & Country Cold Prep | San Diego CA | 619-291-7131 |
| Nunu's Tavern | San Diego CA | 619-756-4009 |
| Local Greens | Solana Beach CA | 858-504-0332 |
| Drew Lopez | San Diego CA | 619-295-3172 |
| Marriott Gaslamp | San Diego CA | 619-696-0234 x6051 |
| Miguel's Cocina Carlsbad | Carlsbad CA | 760-759-1843 |
| Green Acres Campus 2020 | San Diego CA | 619-581-3003 |
| SIE Culinary Management | San Diego CA | 858-964-8677 |
| Zel's Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 858-755-0076 |
| Tin Leaf Fresh Kitchen | Carlsbad CA | 619-236-1299 |
| Sorority Cuisine - Achio | San Diego CA | 310-402-6195 |
| Viejas Casino Ginger Noodle | Alpine CA | 702-401-0455 |
| Vagabond Sportfishing Inc. | San Diego CA | 619-993-9575 |
| Mission Bay Yacht Club | San Diego CA | 858-488-0501 x14 |
| Baja Betty's | San Diego CA | 619-269-8510 |
| The Wild Thyme Company | San Diego CA | 858-527-0226 |
| Cafe 222 | San Diego CA | 619-236-9902 |
| Hotel Indigo | San Diego CA | 619-906-4805 |
| Peohes | Coronado CA | 619-437-4474 |
| The Hop Stop | Poway CA | 858-859-2669 |
| KI's | Encinitas CA | 760-436-5236 |
| Village Pizzeria Bay Side | Coronado CA | 619-522-6890 |
| Food of Joy | San Diego CA | 858-531-6616 |
| Belching Beaver Brewery Tavern and Grill | Vista CA | 760-509-4424 |
| The Original 40 Brewing | San Diego CA | 619-206-4725 |
| The Field Irish Pub & Restaurant | San Diego CA | 619-232-9840 |
| Bernardo Heights Country Club | San Diego CA | 858-487-4022 |
| Four Seasons Residence Club | Carlsbad CA | 760-603-3700 |
| My Five Star Chef | La Jolla CA | 619-890-1159 |
| Rovino The Foodery | San Diego CA | 619-972-6286 |
| Viejas Casino Grove Steakhouse | Alpine CA | 800-295-3172 |
| Quality Coast Inc | San Diego CA | 619-443-9192 |
| The Loma Club | San Diego CA | 619-222-4653 |
| Leroy's Kitchen & Lounge | Coronado CA | 619-522-6890 |
| Firefly Beach | San Diego CA | 619-222-6440 |
| Portside Pier (Brigantine) | San Diego CA | 858-268-1030 |
| Hotel La Jolla & CUSP | La Jolla CA | 858-459-0261 |
| Sorority Cuisine - Gamma Phi Beta | San Diego CA | 310-634-2371 |
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Romaine Lettuce. One
is
easiest, three is harder.
