romaine lettuce
Romaine lettuce is a type of lettuce that has a vertically long shape similar to Chinese cabbage.
Due to its thick leaves and crunchy texture, it is a delicious vegetable that can be eaten raw as well as stir-fried or cooked in a hot pot.
- Seasonal season
- Time to go around Peak season (seasonal season)
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1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
- Main production area
- Kanonji
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Production of romaine lettuce in Kagawa Prefecture
In Kagawa Prefecture, romaine lettuce shipments began in earnest in 2016, mainly in Kanonji City. Approximately 30ha of cultivated area is cultivated throughout Kagawa Prefecture, and the annual sales volume is 740 tons (2022 JA Kagawa Prefecture Lettuce Subcommittee data).
Kanonji City has a history of growing regular lettuce (hereinafter referred to as head lettuce) as a back crop after rice cultivation, and has been working to improve the soil using organic fertilizers. The climate and soil preparation of the Setouchi region are the strengths of Kagawa Prefecture's romaine lettuce. -
The harvest season for romaine lettuce is approximately seven months from late October to May. Sowing begins after Obon in August. In warm weather, you can harvest the seeds in about two months, but when it gets cold, the growth slows down and it takes about four months to harvest them. The season is from early December to late March, and the sweetness and flavor increases during the colder months.
In Kanonji City, a major production area in Kagawa Prefecture, romaine lettuce was certified as a "Kanonji Brand Certified Product*" in 2017.
*Kanonji brand certified products are agricultural, forestry, and fishery products certified by Kanonji City for the purpose of expanding consumption, sales channels, and promoting the agriculture, forestry, and fisheries industry, as well as processed products thereof. -
Characteristics of romaine lettuce
Heading lettuce has leaves that curl inward and has a cabbage-like shape, but romaine lettuce has leaves that stand up like Chinese cabbage and is characterized by its long, vertical shape. The leaves can be up to 30cm long. The outer leaves are a darker green than regular lettuce, and the inner leaves are a lighter green.
The leaves are thick and have strong veins, so they retain their crunchy texture even when heated, making them suitable for stir-fries and hot pot dishes.
[Origin of romaine lettuce]
In North America, it is called romaine lettuce, but in other parts of the world it is known as "costales." Kos comes from the island of Kos, which is a place of origin in the Aegean Sea. -
About the nutrition of romaine lettuce
Comparing the nutritional value per 100g of edible portion of head lettuce and romaine lettuce, the nutrients such as dietary fiber, β-carotene, and folic acid are about twice that of head lettuce.
・Dietary fiber (total amount): Romaine lettuce 1.9g/Heading lettuce 1.1g
・β-Carotene: Romaine lettuce 510μg/Heading lettuce 240μg
・Folic acid: Romaine lettuce 120μg/Heading lettuce 73μg
*Japanese Food Standard Composition Table (100th edition)/per XNUMXg of edible portion -
Delicious ways to eat romaine lettuce
Romaine lettuce is a popular lettuce in Caesar salads in the United States, and goes well with cheese-flavored Caesar dressings.
In addition, it becomes soft when heated by frying, boiling, or steaming, making it easy to eat for everyone from children to the elderly. It maintains its crunchy texture even when heated, allowing you to take advantage of the goodness of romaine lettuce. -
The ``Romaine Lettuce Steak'' is grilled on both sides with olive oil and topped with Caesar dressing, cheese, and a hot spring egg, which brings out the flavor of the ingredients and is visually appealing. It is also recommended to use it in place of the usual leafy vegetables in ohitashi and hot pot dishes. It is a versatile vegetable that goes well with a variety of Japanese, Western, and Chinese seasonings and any ingredients, so please try it in a variety of dishes.
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How to choose and store romaine lettuce
Choose one with a small cut core, white and fresh, and leaves that are crisp and firm.
When storing the whole plant, leave the outer leaves attached, wrap it in damp kitchen paper, place it in a plastic bag, and store it in the refrigerator with the leaf tip facing up.
Ohira Yasai Co., Ltd.
In addition to romaine lettuce, we grow head lettuce, sweet corn, onions, and garlic depending on the season. We have acquired the international standard agricultural certification system Global GAP (official name: GROBALG.AP) and are delivering safe, secure, fresh, and delicious vegetables to our customers.