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

  • Product Documentation for Meal Pattern Requirement (added 28-May-2025)
    This MB informs provides Child Nutrition Program Sponsors guidance on documenting how a food item meets meal pattern requirements, including how the state agency verifies the process.
  • Offer versus Serve Waiver in the SFSP (added 27-May-2025)
    The USDA approved a waiver requested by the CDE for non-SFA SFSP operators to use the OVS meal service option on a case-by-case basis.
  • Guidance for Processed Product Documentation (added 27-May-2025)
    Management Bulletin SNP-08-2025, SFSP-08-2025 and FDP-08-2025; USDA Policy Memo TA 07-2010: Guidance for Accepting Processed Product Documentation for Meal Pattern Requirements.
  • Bedner Growers Recalls Cucumbers (added 23-May-2025)
    Bedner Growers, Inc. Recalls Cucumbers Due to Possible Health Risk.
  • Celebrating California School Meals Photo Contest (added 23-May-2025)
    The California Department of Education’s Farm to School program is holding a photo contest. CDE welcomes photos highlighting California’s diverse school meals programs; scratch cooked, locally sourced meals; and our school nutrition professionals.