Romaine Lettuce
Estimated Inventory, 24 ct : 81.00
This item was last sold on : 01/21/25
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.
| Fairplay | San Diego CA | 303-870-0065 |
| 619 Spirits | San Diego CA | 509-701-9534 |
| Pacific Yacht Agents | Los Angeles CA | 808-214-0970 |
| Edgewater Grill | San Diego CA | 619-232-7581 |
| Sheraton La Jolla | San Diego CA | 858-453-5500 |
| Brigantine Coronado | Coronado CA | 619-435-4166 |
| The Lab Restaurant | Oceanside CA | 619-861-8299 |
| Food by Chef Ty | Vista CA | 424-278-8626 |
| The Cottage | La Jolla CA | 858-454-8408 |
| Peace Pies | San Diego CA | 619-618-6960 |
| Valley View Casino & Hotel (Black&Blue) | Valley Center CA | 760-291-5500 |
| Urbn Pizza Kitchen | San Diego CA | 619-255-7300 |
| Le Papagayo (Encinitas) | Encinitas CA | 760-944-8252 |
| SIE Culinary Management | San Diego CA | 858-964-8677 |
| DoubleTree By Hilton San Diego | San Diego CA | 619-881-6900 |
| Viejas Casino Ginger Noodle | Alpine CA | 702-401-0455 |
| Brigantine Imperial Beach | Imperial Beach CA | 619-591-1350 |
| Pitchers | San Diego CA | 858-472-1251 |
| Whiskey Girl | San Diego CA | 619-236-1616 |
| Nunu's Tavern | San Diego CA | 619-756-4009 |
| Siesel's Meats | San Diego CA | 619-275-1234 |
| Tap Room Beer Co. | San Diego CA | 619-539-7738 |
| The Monsaraz | San Diego CA | 858-760-6228 |
| Harley Gray Kitchen and Bar | San Diego CA | 619-840-7000 |
| Manhattan of La Jolla | La Jolla CA | 858-459-0700 |
| The Hop Stop | Poway CA | 858-859-2669 |
| Jack & Giulio's | San Diego CA | 619-294-2074 |
| Bar Ella | San Diego CA | 858-808-2286 |
| Belching Beaver Brewery Tavern and Grill | Vista CA | 760-509-4424 |
| Hotel La Jolla - Sea & Sky | La Jolla CA | 858-459-0261 |
| Brigantine La Mesa | La Mesa CA | 619-465-1935 |
| The Crack Shack-San Diego | San Diego CA | 619-795-3299 |
| Village Pizzaria | Coronado CA | 619-522-6890 |
| Hash House A Go Go | San Diego CA | 951-764-0605 |
| The Original 40 Brewing | San Diego CA | 619-206-4725 |
| Saint Mark Golf and Resort, LLC | San Marcos CA | 508-320-6644 |
| Fay's Diner and Cafe | San Diego CA | 661-858-8895 |
| Vogue Tavern | Chula Vista CA | 619-371-3322 |
| Sisters Pizza | San Diego CA | 858-228-6822 |
| Mothership | San Diego CA | 858-342-3609 |
| Davanti Enoteca Little Italy | San Diego CA | 619-237-9606 |
| Third Corner Ocean Beach | San Diego CA | 619-223-2700 |
| Brigantine Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 858-481-1166 |
| Uptown Tavern | San Diego CA | 619-683-9322 |
| The Local-Pacific Beach | San Diego CA | 858-263-7475 |
| The Market by Buon Appetito | San Diego CA | 619-237-1335 |
| Margaritaville Hotel SD (Kitchen) | San Diego CA | 619-819-9500 |
| San Diego Freedom Ranch | Campo CA | 619-478-5696 |
| Trattoria I Trulli | Encinitas CA | 760-277-9826 |
| Barefoot Coffee Cafe | Solana Beach CA | |
| Bayside Landing | San Diego CA | 858-270-9200 |
| La Jolla Country Club | San Diego CA | 858-454-9601 |
| Sensations Salud | San Diego CA | 619-933-3489 |
| Pacific Cafe & Catering (Medical Cntr Dr.) | La Jolla CA | 619-808-4087 |
| Fish Market Downtown | San Diego CA | 619-232-3474 |
| Leucadia Pizza Point Loma | San Diego CA | 619-295-2222 |
| Tavern at the Beach | San Diego CA | 858-272-6066 |
| Scrimshaw Coffee | San Diego CA | 951-663-2207 |
| Residence Inn Downtown Gaslamp | San Diego CA | 619-487-1200 |
| SandBox Pizza | San Diego CA | 858-272-7263 |
| Green Dragon Tavern & Museum | Carlsbad CA | 760-797-5579 |
| WineSellar & Brasserie | San Diego CA | 858-450-9557 |
| Local Greens | Solana Beach CA | 858-504-0332 |
| Marriott Courtyard Old Town | San Diego CA | 619-260-8500 |
| Mavericks Beach Club | San Diego CA | 858-999-0348 |
| Cocina de Barrio Point Loma | San Diego CA | 858-349-2313 |
| Crust Pizzeria Solana Beach | Solana Beach CA | 858-212-8751 |
| Sushi Kami | San Diego CA | 858-451-7799 |
| Salt & Whiskey | San Diego CA | 619-544-1886 |
| Portside Pier (Brigantine) | San Diego CA | 858-268-1030 |
| Zel's Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 858-755-0076 |
| Harvest Kitchen (Corp Lunch) | San Marcos CA | 619-709-0938 |
| The Santaluz Club Inc - Main Dining | San Diego CA | 858-759-3150 |
| Single Fin Surf Grill | San Diego CA | 619-948-7873 |
| Portside Pier (Ketch Tasting Deck) | San Diego CA | 858-268-1030 |
| The Shout House | San Diego CA | 619-231-6700 |
| The Handmade Chef Meal Prep Co. | San Diego CA | 619-368-3705 |
| The Crack Shack Costa Mesa | Costa Mesa CA | 951-808-7790 |
| Southwestern Yacht Club | San Diego CA | 619-222-0438 |
| Leucadia Pizza Scripps Ranch | San Diego CA | 858-530-2222 |
| Monarch School (Nutrition Lab) | San Diego CA | 619-804-1766 |
| Moxy San Diego Gaslamp | San Diego CA | 619-376-1850 |
| The Switchboard Restaurant 2024 | Oceanside CA | 760-279-6300 |
| Urban Kitchen Catering | San Diego CA | 619-276-8803 |
| Marriott Courtyard Nolen | San Diego CA | 619-544-1004 |
| Lodge at Torrey Pines Main | San Diego CA | 858-453-4420 |
| Viejas Casino Grove Steakhouse | Alpine CA | 800-295-3172 |
| Tavola Nostra Pizzeria E Cucina | San Diego CA | 619-921-4206 |
| Kitchens For Good | San Diego CA | 619-450-4040 |
| Hayes Burger Normal Heights | San Diego CA | 858-257-8709 |
| Glenbrook Health Center | Carlsbad CA | 760-704-1000 |
| Harumama (Little Italy) | San Diego CA | 619-269-7122 |
| Higher Grounds Coffee + Cafe | San Diego CA | 831-247-5395 |
| Milton's Delicatessen, Grill & Bakery | Del Mar CA | 858-792-2225 |
| Blue Whale | La Jolla CA | 808-868-8639 |
| Bayhill Tavern | San Diego CA | 858-288-6923 |
| Green Acres Campus | San Diego CA | 858-450-9907 |
| Campfire | Carlsbad CA | 760-637-5121 |
| Miguel's 4S Ranch | San Diego CA | 858-924-9200 |
| The Kitchen at Torrey View | San Diego CA | 702-489-2129 |
| Nolita Hall | San Diego CA | 619-618-8820 |
| MCRD-Marine Corps Recruit Dept | San Diego CA | 619-725-6478 |
| Smokin J's BBQ | San Diego CA | 703-314-1486 |
| Lil Piggy's | Coronado CA | 619-522-6890 |
| Rancho Valencia New Restaurant | Del Mar CA | 858-756-1123 |
| Blind Lady | San Diego CA | 619-381-4475 |
| Tribute Pizza | San Diego CA | 858-220-0030 |
| Jake's Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 858-755-2002 |
| Vitality Tap - 1St Ave | San Diego CA | 619-237-7625 |
| Bishop School | San Diego CA | 858-459-4021 |
| Harumama Noodles & Buns (Carlsbad) | Carlsbad CA | 760-637-5737 |
| Royal Polaris Sportfishing | San Diego CA | 619-226-8030 |
| Seasoned Catering and Events | San Diego CA | 619-246-4909 |
| Miguel's Cocina Coronado | Coronado CA | 619-437-4237 |
| Pacific Coast Grill | Solana Beach CA | 858-794-4632 |
| Chef Drew Mc Partlin | San Diego CA | 619-990-9201 |
| Lodge at Torrey Pines Grill | San Diego CA | 858-453-4420 |
| Polaris Supreme | San Diego CA | 619-390-7890 |
| The Crack Shack-Encinitas | Encinitas CA | 877-230-1871 |
| Pacifica Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 858-792-0505 |
| Bali Hai Restaurant | San Diego CA | 619-222-1181 |
| Q&A Oyster Bar & Restaurant | Oceanside CA | 858-245-3780 |
| Turf Supper Club | San Diego CA | 619-234-6363 |
| Panama 66 | San Diego CA | 619-206-6352 |
| Alila Marea Beach Resort (Banquets) | Encinitas CA | 805-539-9719 |
| Kensington Cafe | San Diego CA | 619-684-0044 Fausto |
| On the Crawl Concepts-Inland Tavern | San Marcos CA | 760-744-8782 |
| Crafted @ Minerva's Cafe | La Jolla CA | 858-699-4129 |
| Crust Pizzeria-Carmel | San Diego CA | 858-212-8751 |
| Hotel Indigo | San Diego CA | 619-295-3172 |
| Prey Brewing Company | Vista CA | 760-822-4226 |
| Espadin | Temecula California | 951-383-5585 |
| Bread & Cie CafƩ | San Diego CA | 619-683-9322 |
| Village Pizzeria Bay Side | Coronado CA | 619-522-6890 |
| Brigantine Escondido | Escondido CA | 760-743-4718 |
| Miguel's Cocina Carlsbad | Carlsbad CA | 760-759-1843 |
| Pizza E Birra | San Diego CA | 619-916-8407 |
| Barrel & Board | San Diego CA | 619-902-4646 |
| Ulivo | San Diego CA | 619-962-7345 |
| The Country Club Of Rancho Bernardo | San Diego CA | 858-487-1134 |
| KI's | Encinitas CA | 760-586-8289 |
| Junkyard Sports Bar and Grill | Oceanside CA | 760-407-8500 |
| Coronado Yacht Club | Coronado CA | 619-435-1848 |
| Sabi Juice | Chula Vista CA | 619-971-8545 |
| Casa | San Diego CA | 619-581-3003 |
| Brigantine Poway | Poway CA | 858-486-3066 |
| Woods Hole Oceanographic Inst. | San Diego CA | 508-289-2667 |
| Brigantine Pt Loma | San Diego CA | 619-224-2871 |
| College Cuisine-Pi Beta Phi | San Diego CA | 310-634-2371 |
| UCSD Food & Nutrition Department La Jolla | San Diego CA | 858-761-1269 |
| Joya Kitchen | San Diego CA | 619-255-5979 |
| Great Maple Hillcrest | San Diego CA | 619-255-2282 |
| Beaumont's | San Diego CA | 858-459-0474 |
| Olive Tree Marketplace | San Diego CA | 619-224-0443 |
| Vinya: Vino & Vinyasa | San Diego CA | 858-703-8101 |
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Romaine Lettuce. One
is easiest, three is harder.
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