Romaine lettuce

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Romaine or Cos lettuce (often called simply Romaine or Cos) (Lactuca sativa L. var. longifolia) is a variety of lettuce which grows in a long head of sturdy leaves with a firm rib down the center. Unlike most lettuces, it is tolerant of heat.

Romaine lettuce Nutritional value per 100 g
Energy 20 kcal   70 kJ
Carbohydrates     3.3 g - Dietary fibre  2.1 g   Fat 0.3 g Protein 1.2 g Water 95 g Vitamin A  290 μg 32% Folate (Vit. B9)  136 μg  34% Vitamin C  24 mg 40% Calcium  33 mg 3% Iron  0.97 mg 8% Potassium  247 mg   5%
Percentages are relative to US recommendations for adults. Source: USDA Nutrient database

[edit] Origin and etymology

The name 'Cos' probably does not come from the island of Cos, but from the Arabic word for 'lettuce', خس (IPA: [xus]). It apparently reached the West via Rome, as in Italian, it is called 'lattuga romana', and in French, 'laitue romaine', hence its other English name. (Davidson)

[edit] Cuisine

The thick ribs, especially on the older outer leaves, have a milky fluid which is unpleasant, so they should not be used. Neither should the leaf-tips because those can be bitter.

Romaine is the standard lettuce used in Caesar salad.

[edit] References

• Alan Davidson, The Oxford Companion to Food, s.v. lettuce. Oxford University Press 1999. ISBN 0-19-211579-0.
• John D. Kirschmann & Lavon J. Dunne, Nutrition Almanac, s.v. ISBN 0-07-034906-1.