Romaine Lettuce

Romaine is mostly water, which makes it wonderfully hydrating and light, yet its sturdy leaves carry real nourishment: folate for healthy cells, vitaminA natural substance your body needs in small amounts to stay healthy, like vitamin C or D. More → K and a little calcium for bones, vitamin A for the eyes, and gentle fiberThe part of plant foods your body can't fully break down — it keeps digestion moving. More → for digestionHow your body breaks food down into pieces small enough to use for energy. More →. Lettuce also has an old, gentle reputation as a calming food; the milky sap of the lettuce family contains mild sleep-friendly compounds, and a warm lettuce broth before bed is a folk remedy in many lands.

Raw, it is the backbone of a good salad and a crisp wrap for other foods; the tougher outer leaves are lovely simmered briefly into a delicate green soup. A simple wash before eating is all the care it needs.