Vegetable | Vegan Gluten Free Low Calorie Whole Food Keto Low Carb

Romaine Leave

Lactuca sativa var. longifolia Allergen-Free
Romaine Leave

Sourcing & Taxonomy

  • Family Asteraceae
  • Primary Cuisine Global
  • Seasonality Year-Round
  • Source Plant (leafy green)

The Forktionary Angle

"The unsung hero of crispness and the backbone of iconic salads."

Definition

A crisp, elongated variety of lettuce known for its sturdy, slightly bitter leaves and excellent crunch, popular in salads.

Sensory Profile

TasteMild, Crisp, Slightly Bitter, Refreshing
TextureCrunchy (rib), Tender (leaf), Crisp
AromaFresh, Grassy, Mildly earthy
AcidityLow

Technical Metrics

Culinary Staple

Essential for Caesar salads

Optimal Storage

Refrigerate 7-10 days, loosely wrapped

Water Content

~95% water by weight, excellent hydration

Nutrition Facts

Per 50g (1 large cup chopped)
Calories17 kcal
Total Fat0.3g
Saturated Fat0g
Trans Fat0g
Cholesterol0mg
Protein1.2g
Total Carbohydrate3.3g
Dietary Fiber2.1g
Total Sugars1.2g
Calcium33mg
Iron1mg
Potassium247mg

Chef’s Secret

To revive slightly wilted romaine, soak leaves in ice water for 15-20 minutes before serving.

Substitutions

Best Match

Butter Lettuce

1:1

Softer texture but still good for wraps and salads, with a milder flavor.

Iceberg Lettuce

1:1

Similar crunch and high water content, but less nutritional value and milder flavor.

Endive or Chicory

1:1

Provides a more pronounced bitter crunch, good for adding complexity to salads.

Baby Spinach

1:1

Softer texture, less crunch, but offers high nutritional value and mild flavor.

Buying Guide

Look for crisp, dark green leaves without wilting or brown spots.

Flavor Pairings

Caesar dressing chicken croutons parmesan lemon olive oil.