Loose-leaf lettuce forms rosettes of crisp, curly leaves but no heart.  They have a green, green-red or red leaf which can be soft.  They are sweet-tasting and are a good source of vitamin A and vitamin C.

Storage: If the lettuce still has its roots attached place the roots in a jar of water and do not refrigerate.  Otherwise, refrigerate in plastic bags or in the crisper.  Make sure the lettuce isn’t squashed.

When you receive lettuce as a salad mix then the crop has been washed once in plain water with some natural citric acid. This is to wash of most of the soil and little critters and make sure the leaves do not wilt straight away.  We do not use any chemicals to wash our crops.   

General Use: Remove coarse or wilted leaves (these can be used in soups).  Gently break off the leaves.  If necessary soak the leaves in warm water for 3-4 minutes then put them in the refrigerator to freshen up.  Dry the lettuce well after washing.

Salad: Combine torn lettuce leaves (try a mixture of varieties), chopped onions, sliced tomatoes, sliced cucumbers, and your favourite salad dressing.

Warm Salad: Cook bacon in a skillet until crisp; drain on absorbent paper; crumble.  Drain off bacon drippings, leaving about 1 tablespoon in skillet.  Stir vinegar, sugar, sea salt, and pepper.  Bring to boil and pour over lettuce.  Toss lightly then sprinkle with bacon.

Edible Wraps: Lettuce wraps are a great way to deliver a main dish meal.  You can use the same ingredients you use in burritos, tortillas, pita bread,  and spring roll.  Leftovers work great as well.  Chicken, fish or steak or vegetable combinations as filling bases are excellent choices.  In short, the only limit you have with lettuce wraps is your imagination!

In a small bowl, combine tuna, chopped carrot, olives, and tomato. Chop one of the lettuce leaves and sprinkle garlic powder, dried basil, ground black pepper, sea salt, classic Ceasar Salad dressing and mix thoroughly.  Using the other lettuce leaves, place tuna salad in the centre, and then fold and enjoy.