Idaho Leafy Greens

Leafy Greens  The most common type of leafy green eaten in the United States is lettuce.  There are many other kinds of leafy greens we will learn about today, as well.  As we talk about leafy greens, try to think about how many of them you have eaten before!

The Vegetable Group

Leafy Green Nutrition  Nearly all leafy green vegetables have vitamin K.  Vitamin K helps your blood clot when you have a cut so it stops bleeding.

Leafy Green Nutrition  Leafy Greens have Beta- carotene, which our bodies turn into Vitamin A.  The darker color of green the leafy green is, the more beta- carotene it contains.

Leafy Green Nutrition Many leafy green vegetables are also a good source of:  Folate – for healthy growth  Lutein – for good vision  Fiber – for better digestion

Let’s Talk Lettuce! The top lettuce producing counties in Idaho are:  Ada  Canyon  Blaine  Camas  Latah  Twin Falls  Gem  Kootenai

Lettuce Varieties There are hundreds of varieties of lettuce, but to keep it simple they are divided into four groups:  Crisphead  Butterhead  Looseleaf  Romaine

Lettuce Varieties Crisphead Butterhead Loose Leaf Romaine

Name That Leafy Green! Can you name the leafy green you see in the picture? SpinachKale Collard Greens Cabbage Brussels SproutsSwiss Chard Video

Growing Lettuce Lettuce is usually grown in two ways:  Direct field seeding  Transplanting seedlings Video

Hydroponic Lettuce Some lettuce in Idaho is grown using a method called “Hydroponics.” Shutterstock Image: Video

Growing Lettuce  In Idaho, most production is done by small growers who sell at farmer’s markets or restaurants.  Large commercial operations sell to distributors who sell to schools, restaurants, and grocery stores.

Growing Lettuce  Lettuce grows best when the average temperature is between 60 to 70 degrees and should be planted in early spring or late summer. This is why lettuce is known as a cool season crop.  Lettuce is a fast growing plant. You can harvest lettuce 8-10 weeks after planting the seed.

Harvesting Lettuce The dates for harvesting lettuce varies throughout the state because of the extreme differences in temperatures.