Batavia Lettuce is Your Must-Try New Vegetable

Have you tried Batavia lettuce as yet? If not, this flavorful and nutritious lettuce is a must-try. Batavia lettuce looks similar to butter or bibb lettuce. Notably, it has a loose head and comes mainly in green and red varieties. However, some varieties are also beautiful blends of green and red.

When it comes to taste, Batavia lettuce really stands out. It boasts a notably sweet flavor without any trace of bitterness that is sometimes found in other lettuce varieties. Additionally, its crisp texture is reminiscent of the ever-popular Iceberg lettuce. Indeed, it is a great choice if you appreciate a satisfying crunch in your salads.

Batavia lettuce is widely available in various parts of the world. By the way, if you can’t find it locally, it is also known as Summer Crisp lettuce or French Crisp lettuce in some areas. Interestingly, Batavia lettuce is the most common lettuce in France.

Nutritional Benefits of Batavia Lettuce

Not only is Batavia lettuce delicious, but it’s also packed with nutrients that can benefit your overall health. Some of the key nutritional benefits include:

• Low in calories. A cup of this raw chopped lettuce has about eight calories.
• High in water. As with other lettuce, Batavia has a high water content, which helps you feel full and satisfied.
• Rich in vitamins and minerals. It is a good source of several essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, C, K, folate, manganese, and potassium.

Buying and Storing Batavia Lettuce

Batavia lettuce is usually sold as a whole head in grocery stores and farmers’ markets. They usually have green and red varieties. I like to take a small pinch of the leave to ensure it is crispy and fresh. Shake off any excess water from the leaves before placing the lettuce in the bag.

Many people love Batavia lettuce because of its long shelf life. While most lettuce normally stays crisp and fresh for four days after purchase, Batavia usually lasts a week. However, it can last longer with careful attention. First, wrap it in paper towels or a clean dish towel to absorb excess moisture. Then, store it in the crisper drawer of the refrigerator. Some report keeping lettuce fresh for almost two weeks with this method.

How to Use Batavia Lettuce

Batavia lettuce is incredibly versatile. However, it’s important to handle it gently so as not to damage the delicate leaves. Wash the leaves well. Then pat them dry with a paper towel or clean kitchen towel before using them. Tear the leaves into smaller pieces for salads, or use them whole for sandwiches and wraps.

1. Garnish. The curly leaves with shades of greens and reds are perfect for garnishing.
2. Salads. The tender leaves add the right amount of crunch. The slightly mild, sweet flavor also pairs well with sweet or tangy dressings. It is also the perfect leaf base to build a salad with other types of lettuce.
3. Sandwiches and wraps. The tender texture of the leaves is ideal for sandwiches and tortilla wraps. Additionally, the mild flavor won’t overpower the other ingredients. The leaves also add just the right amount of crunch.
4. Tacos and burritos. The large, tender leaves are a great alternative to traditional taco or burrito shells. Indeed, the shape of the leaves makes it easy to fold and fill with your favorite ingredients. The mild flavor also balances out the spicy or savory flavors.

Grilled Chicken Batavia Lettuce Wrap

Ingredients

• 1 head of Batavia lettuce (2-3 leaves per wrap)
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup diced red onion
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 avocado, diced
• 1 lime, cut into wedges
• Shredded carrots and green onions (optional for garnish)

Directions

1. Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Brush the chicken breasts with olive oil, then sprinkle with chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
3. Grill the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side or until cooked through.
4. Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing it into thin strips.
5. Wash and dry the Batavia lettuce leaves, and set them aside.
6. Combine the diced tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, and avocado in a bowl.
7. Place a few slices of grilled chicken onto two to three lettuce leaves, then top with the tomato and avocado mixture. Sprinkle with shredded carrots or green onion slices (optional).
8. Squeeze a lime wedge over each wrap before serving.

Makes two wraps.

Nutrition Information (1 wrap)

Calories: 160; Protein: 13g; Fat: 7g; Carbohydrates: 9g; Fiber: 5g; Sugar: 2g

This nutrition information is estimated values and may vary depending on the specific brands and amounts of ingredients used in the recipe.

Jerk Chicken and Mango Batavia Salad

Ingredients

• 1 head of Batavia lettuce, washed and dried
• 1 large mango, peeled and diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1/4 cup red onion, diced
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1/4 cup lime juice
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon jerk seasoning
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Directions

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, honey, and jerk seasoning to make the dressing.
2. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until golden brown on both sides. Ensure it is cooked through, about 6-8 minutes per side.
4. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for 5 minutes.
5. Tear the Batavia lettuce into bite-sized pieces and place them in a large salad bowl.
6. Add the diced mango, red bell pepper, red onion, and cilantro to the bowl and toss to combine.
7. Slice the chicken into thin strips and arrange them on top of the salad.
8. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and serve immediately.

Makes two servings.

Nutrition Information (per serving)

Calories: 365; Protein: 29g; Fat: 16g; Carbohydrates: 28g; Fiber: 4g; Sugar: 21g

Note: This nutrition information is estimated values and may vary depending on the specific brands and amounts of ingredients used in the recipe.

Quinoa Batavia Veggie Tortilla Wrap

Ingredients

• 2 large tortilla wraps
• 2-3 leaves of Batavia lettuce per tortilla
• 1/2 cup cooked quinoa
• 1/2 cup cooked black beans
• 1/2 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen and thawed)
• 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 avocado, sliced
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
• 2 tablespoons crumbled feta cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

1. Mix the cooked quinoa, black beans, corn, diced red bell pepper, avocado slices, chopped cilantro, and crumbled feta cheese in a large bowl.
2. Whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, honey, cumin, salt, and pepper in a small bowl to make the dressing.
3. Drizzle the dressing over the veggie mixture and toss to combine.
4. Lay the tortilla wrap flat on a plate or cutting board.
5. Place 2-3 Batavia lettuce leaves on top of the tortilla wrap.
6. Spoon the veggie mixture onto the lettuce leaves, then roll up the tortilla wrap to form a wrap.
7. Slice the wrap in half, if desired, and serve immediately.

Makes two wraps.

Nutrition Information (1 wrap)

Calories: 290; Protein: 6.5g; Fat: 12g; Carbohydrates: 20g; Fiber: 7g; Sugar: 7g

This nutrition information is estimated values and may vary depending on the specific brands and amounts of ingredients used in the recipe.

Now, It’s Your Turn

Well, I hope you enjoyed learning about Batavia lettuce and how to use it in your meals. Trying a new type of lettuce might not be profound for many of you. However, if you want to try a new veggie without spending too much money, then Batavia lettuce is a delicious, low-cost option.

Please feel free to share how you’ve used Batavia lettuce with us.

I think you will enjoy reading the posts on substituting honey for sugar in cooking and baking, sweet potato toast 3 ways, and how to make dandelion tea from roots, flowers, and leaves.

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