Everything you need to know about good old romaine lettuce, from buying and storing to using it in your favorite recipes!
Romaine lettuce has my heart….get it? But, it’s the truth, and that’s not just because it’s perfect for eating as taco shells. Romaine is a favorite of mine in the lettuce world for so many reasons – the great taste, the versatility, and the nutritional benefits!
What about you? Are you a romaine person? How well do you really know romaine lettuce after all? Today, let’s dive into everything there is to know, from the benefits and taste to how to buy and use it (like in my infamous Grilled Romaine Salad). It just may spark some ideas!
Did you know that the darker leaves, the more nutrients? Though all parts of romaine are green and good for you, those parts concentrate most of the minerals!
As a whole, however, romaine is a supplier of magnesium, calcium, potassium, and Vitamin C. It’s an all around great choice!
It’s a classic argument. Which is better, romaine or iceberg? Though they’re main competitors in the lettuce world, they can usually be substituted for each other. They’re both used in a wide range of recipes, both being super crunchy, and they both supply a lot of water.
But the taste and nutrition of romaine vs. iceberg lettuce is a bit different! Romaine takes on more of a bitter flavor, while iceberg has a mild sweetness to it. And generally when it comes to leafy greens, the darker the color the more nutritious it is. The same holds true here!
Just cos: 22 ways with your favourite lettuce leavesThis cos lettuce, egg and chive salad is the ultimate Christmas side. … Cos lettuce and green onions with dill and oregano. … Broccolini and cos salad with pancetta, sourdough and almond crunch. … Matt Preston has cracked the recipe for an amazing vegan caesar salad.
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This cos lettuce, egg and chive salad is the ultimate Christmas side. …
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Cos lettuce and green onions with dill and oregano. …
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Broccolini and cos salad with pancetta, sourdough and almond crunch. …
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Matt Preston has cracked the recipe for an amazing vegan caesar salad.
How to use Romaine
Romaine is kind of like iceberg in that the uses are nearly endless. Unlike kale or chard which you wouldn’t want to use on just any type of dish, romaine can be used frequently! The obvious use is salad, and I actually do love a good, crispy romaine-based salad from time to time. You can go savory or sweet with your toppings.
Other romaine lettuce uses include wraps (with which you can use the lettuce in the wrap or as the wrap), sandwiches, tacos, smoothies, soup, spring rolls, or rice bowls… heck, you can even grill it!
What it Tastes Like
Romaine lettuce has a very refreshing and juicy taste. It’s very crisp, and the taste is a bit bitter, though not too much. It’s not as sweet as iceberg, but it’s not as “grassy” as spinach. It’s just… good! And its crunchy texture makes it great for using in so many different recipes.
How to Make Sure Lettuce You’re Eating Is Safe From Bacteria
FAQ
Is cos lettuce good for salad?
What is the difference between romaine and cos lettuce?
What to do with cos lettuce?
Use them to make an authentic Caesar salad. You can also use Cos in stir-fries. Cos or Romaine (Romano) lettuce is long and almost oblong in shape. The leaves are thick and firm with a stiff central rib. The outer leaves are slightly bitter, but the ones in the centre are sweeter and more delicate.
Can lettuce be cooked?
Yes, lettuce can be consumed cooked, patients with chronic kidney disease should preferably consume this food cooked, as it is a source of potassium, a nutrient that in excess in kidney patients can cause complications.
How do you eat romaine lettuce?
Use the leaves as a “tortilla” and make a lettuce wrap. Romaine lettuce is ideal for a lettuce wrap because of the shape and strength of the leaves. Add to a smoothie or juice blend. Saute, broil, or braise. Top a spicy soup. Garnish a sandwich.
Can you eat raw lettuce?
The most common way to eat most lettuces is raw in a salad. However, there are other raw and cooked ways to eat it. Use the leaves as a “tortilla” and make a lettuce wrap. Romaine lettuce is ideal for a lettuce wrap because of the shape and strength of the leaves.