Skip to main content
California Department of Education Logo

Lettuce, Romaine

Department of Defense fact sheet containing nutritional Information for romaine lettuce.

Product Description

Head-type lettuce consisting of long, loaf shape and narrow leaves. Leaf color ranges from dark green outer leaves to greenish-yellow inner leaves. Very crisp texture.

Peak Growing Season

Romaine lettuce is all year in California; however, the peak season is November through December.

Uses

Use in salads, sandwiches, and as garnishes.

Preparation

Wash the lettuce with cold water, cut or tear leaves into bit size pieces, portion, and serve.

Storage

The lettuce should be stored at 32–34 degrees Fahrenheit with a relative humidity of 90–95 percent.

Best If Used By

Romaine lettuce can be stored for about one week if refrigerated properly.

Nutrition Facts

Legend: kcal = kilocalorie; g = gram; mg = milligram; RAE = retinol activity equivalent; IU = international unit

1 cup of Romaine lettuce provides:

Calories 8
Protein 1 g
Carbohydrate 2 g
Fat 0 g
Saturated Fat 0 g
Cholesterol 0 mg
Iron .46 mg
Vitamin C 11.3 mg
Vitamin A 9 RAE
Calcium 16 mg
Sodium 4 mg
Dietary Fiber 1.0 g

Sources of Information

Produce Marketing Association External link opens in new window or tab.
FoodData Central External link opens in new window or tab.

Questions:   Food Distribution Program | 916-324-7132
Last Reviewed: Thursday, March 06, 2025
Related Content
  • DoD Fact Sheets
    Department of Defense (DoD) fresh fruits and vegetables fact sheets.
Recently Posted in Nutrition
  • Expanded Capital Expenditure Approved List (added 12-May-2026)
    The U.S. Department of Agriculture approved the California Department of Education’s (CDE) request to expand the Capital Expenditure Approved List. This expansion contains equipment commonly purchased by School Food Authorities (SFAs).
  • USDA Farm to School Grant Informational Webinars (added 12-May-2026)
    School districts may apply for three federal grants that can support farm to school, the Farmers Market Promotion Program, the Local Food Promotion Program, and the Regional Food Systems Partnerships grant.
  • Updated Resources Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act (added 06-May-2026)
    Updated Resources Due to the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act of 2025.
  • USDA Grants to Support Farm to School (added 06-May-2026)
    School districts may apply for three federal grants that can support farm to school, the Farmers Market Promotion Program, the Local Food Promotion Program, and the Regional Food Systems Partnerships grant.
  • Award Announcement for 2025 KIT and R&R Grants (added 04-May-2026)
    Grant Award Announcement for 2025 Kitchen Infrastructure and Training (KIT) and Retention and Recruitment (R&R) Grants.

  • Child Nutrition Advisory Council - May 2026 (added 01-May-2026)
    Meeting agenda for the State Superintendent of Public Instruction Child Nutrition Advisory Council (CNAC)
  • Final Rule: Fluid Milk Substitutions (added 30-Apr-2026)
    This management bulletin provides regulatory updates regarding the allowability of accepting medical statements from registered dietitians (RD) as related to Fluid Milk Substitutions in School Nutrition Programs.
  • Modifications to Accommodate Disabilities (added 30-Apr-2026)
    This management bulletin contains information on the requirements related to accommodating children with disabilities.
  • Income Eligibility Scales for School Year 2026–27 (added 24-Apr-2026)
    Information related to Income Eligibility Guidelines for Free and Reduced-price Meals or Free Milk in Child Nutrition Programs.
  • School Lunch Hero Day 2026 (added 24-Apr-2026)
    School Lunch Hero Day presents an opportunity to recognize, celebrate, and thank hardworking professionals who continue to make an extraordinary impact on the lives of students.