What Season is Lettuce a Vegetable
Crisp and juicy, lettuce is not only a staple in salads but also a versatile ingredient in Chinese cuisine. When does this magical green leafy plant grow most vigorously? How can simple cooking techniques bring out the original flavor of lettuce? Let's explore from planting season to table delicacies.
Golden Period for Lettuce Planting
Four-season Growth Characteristics
As a typical fast-growing vegetable, lettuce only requires 30-45 days from sowing to harvest. Spring planting from March to April, with the peak harvest season from May to June; autumn planting from August to September, reaching the best flavor from October to November. Although it can be cultivated all year round, the unique crisp texture formed by the temperature difference between day and night in summer makes it the undeniable star vegetable of the season.
Variation in Yield and Quality
Comparative data shows that autumn planted lettuce can reach a weight of 300 grams per plant, which is 20% more productive than spring planting. Lettuce grown at a temperature of 25℃ has 35% higher vitamin C content than that grown at 30℃, it is recommended to choose a well-ventilated semi-shady environment for home planting.
New Propositions for Lettuce Cuisine
Hot Cooking to Lock in Freshness
The classic garlic lettuce only requires three steps: blanch in boiling water with salt for 15 seconds to maintain its green color, sauté minced garlic in hot oil and then add oyster sauce, finally thickening with cornstarch to form a perfect glaze. This method can reduce vitamin loss by up to 40%, making it easier to absorb fat-soluble nutrients than eating raw.
Creative Cold Eating Options
Break through traditional boiling methods and try Korean-style spicy sauce with lettuce: wash the leaves and tear them into bite-sized pieces, mix with apple cider vinegar, honey, and chili powder to make a sauce, marinate in the refrigerator for 20 minutes to make a refreshing cold dish, retaining more than 95% of dietary fiber.
Mastering the growth patterns and cooking techniques of lettuce, from planting on the balcony to cooking in the kitchen, is worry-free. Whether it's stir-frying in a hurry or creative cold dishes, this green spirit can inject vitality into the dining table, achieving a double upgrade of nutrition and taste.