Can you eat brown lettuce?
In this short article, we will provide an answer to the question “Can you eat brown lettuce?” with an in-depth analysis of lettuce, why lettuce turns brown, beneficial effects of lettuce on our health, types of lettuce and side effects of eating lettuce.
Can you eat brown lettuce?
Yes, we can eat brown lettuce. It is perfectly safe to eat as the brown colour or brown spots on lettuce may be due to its storage at a higher temperature and not from spoilage.
To prevent browning, lettuce should be stored at lower temperatures in an air-tight jar or a sealed container.
Reason for change in colour
The brown spots on the lettuce may be due to the Russet Spotting process. Russet spotting process turns the green lettuce into brown colour when it is exposed to ethylene, which is a gas released by plants. Ethylene concentration stimulates the formation of phenolic compounds that is the major cause of the development of brown spots on lettuce.
Sometimes, lettuce also turns red. The redness is due to the oxidation of chlorophyll, which gives green colour to plants that is why its colour is changed. However, the red colour in the roots or edges of the lettuce indicates the oxidation of iron, such lettuce is not fresh to eat.
Types of lettuce
Lettuce has several types. Its colour ranges from yellow to dark green. The major bulk of lettuce is produced by China. Romaine and Iceberg are considered as the most common types, all other varieties have their distinctive taste and nutritional components.
We will discuss five different types of lettuce:
Crisphead lettuce
It is one of the widely used lettuce that is also known as head lettuce or an iceberg. It looks like cabbage, but it is a different species. Crisphead lettuce is used in salads and sandwiches. It also makes a good combination with other vegetables.
Crisphead lettuce has various nutritional components. A 3.5 ounce serving of Crisphead lettuce supplies the following nutritional components
- Total calories:14
- Protein:1 gram
- Fibre:1 gram
- Iron: 2% of the Daily Value (DV)
- Folate: 7% of the daily value
- Vitamins such as A, K and C
Folate and vitamin K are the most significant factors of crisp lettuce that are helpful in the prevention of tube defects including birth defects. It also reduces the risk of some other disorders like cancer that may be pancreatic or breast cancer as well as prevent cardiac diseases.
Other beneficial aspects of Crisphead lettuce are bone formation, healthy heart and clotting of blood. They are also a good source of antioxidants that minimizes depression and inflammation in the body.
Romaine lettuce
Romaine lettuce is also named Cos and is a major part of Caesar salads. Its leaves are green, crunchy and have large veins. Its nutritional values are higher than the crisphead lettuce. A 3.5 ounce serving of this lettuce provides the following nutritional components:
- Calories:17
- Proteins: 1 gram
- Fibres: 2 grams
- Folate: 34% of the daily value
- Manganese: 7% of the daily value
- Potassium:5% of the daily value
In addition, Vitamin A, C and K are also present
Romaine lettuce is also enriched with phenolic compounds, significantly antioxidants such as chlorogenic acid and caffeic acid. These are capable of lowering the risk of cardiac diseases, inflammatory actions and cancer.
Red romaine lettuce enhances the anthocyanin level that gives reddish-purple colour to the vegetables and fruits. These components are also responsible for cognitive decline.
Romaine lettuce has a slightly sweet taste and gives a bolder flavour than a crisphead. It is mostly used in Caesar salads and sandwiches. It can also be used in cooking to get rid of soggy nature and can also be used in soups and stir-fries.
Butterhead lettuce
Butterhead’s name is derived from its soft and buttery leaves. It has a rounded shape similar to cabbage. The most common type of butterhead lettuce is Bibb and Boston lettuce. Its leaves are crumpled similar to flower petals. It is mostly deep green while also having a red variety. Butterhead lettuce is a good source of nutrients such as:
- Calories: 13
- Proteins: 1.5 grams
- Fibres: 1 gram
- Folate: 18 per cent of the daily value
- Iron: 18% of the daily value
- Vitamins such as A, C and K
Leaf lettuce
Leaf lettuce has many shapes and colours. It is different from other lettuces in the way that its leaves come together at a stem. It is also rich in nutritious levels having iron, manganese, potassium, iron and vitamins such as A, C and k.
Stem lettuce
It is most common in China where it is also named Chinese lettuce, celtuce or stalk lettuce. It has a long stalk with normal leaves. Its stem is edible unlike others and a good source of protein, iron and vitamins. Excess of Romaine lettuce can cause bloody diarrhoea.
Other FAQs about Lettuce that you may be interested in.
Can bunnies eat iceberg lettuce?
Can you cook lettuce like cabbage?
Can you cook lettuce like spinach?
Conclusion
In this short article, we have provided an answer to the question “Can you eat brown lettuce?” with an in-depth analysis of lettuce, why lettuce turns brown, beneficial effects of lettuce on our health, types of lettuce and side effects of eating lettuce.
