Boggiatto Produce Trade Info - Products

LEAF AND BUTTER LETTUCE

Description Of the lettuce used in this country, there are four general classifications – butterhead, crisphead, leaf and romaine – and there are many varieties in each classification.

Red leaf and Green leaf varieties have leaves that branch from a single stalk in a loose bunch rather than forming a tight head. The leaves are crisp and more full-flavored than iceberg lettuce. Depending on the variety, leaf lettuce (also called looseleaf) can range in color from medium to dark green and from pale to brilliant red.

Butterhead lettuce (also called Boston, Bibb, or just butter lettuce) has small, round, loosely formed heads with soft, buttery-textured leaves ranging from pale green on the outer leaves to pale yellow-green on the inner leaves. The flavor is sweet and succulent. Because the leaves are quite tender, they require gentle washing and handling.

Selection Choose heads with crisp, evenly colored leaves that are blemish-free and show no sign of wilting or yellowing at the edges.

Handling Uncut, whole heads of lettuce retain nutrients best. Surface water from washing encourages bacterial growth, so this should be done just prior to use. As with all greens, leaf lettuce should be washed and either drained completely or blotted with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture before being refrigerated in a perforated plastic bag. A salad spinner, which uses centrifugal force to remove water from leafy greens, is a real timesaver for this process. Never allow lettuce to soak, as the water tends to soften some leaves. Do not allow the temperature to go below 32° F, as this will damage the leaves.

By the case, be sure to keep box tops closed, as the carton helps preserve moisture. Leaf lettuce is ethylene-sensitive and should not be stored or transported with commodities that produce ethylene, such as apples. Leaf lettuce is sensitive to freezing injury. Perforated plastic film wrapped around the heads can help maintain humidity levels. Do not place lettuce directly near cooler fans, as that will result in rapid dehydration.

Storage

Temperature Keep refrigerated at 32° Fahrenheit (0° C).
Relative Humidity Maintain 95 percent relative humidity.
Top Ice No.
Shelf Life 14 to 21 days.

Product Specifications (Cardboard carton with or without liner)

Packs 12 count, 24 count, 24 count sleeved, 24 count trimmed, 24 count liner.
Weight Green/Red leaf: 24 to 26 lbs., Butter: 13 to 15 lbs.
Carton dimensions Green/Red: 19.7 x 13.2 x 14.3 inches
Carton dimensions Butter: 19.7 x 13.2 x 7.7 inches
Carton cube Green/Red: 2.2, Butter: 1.2 c.f.
Pallet count Green/Red: 42, Butter: 70 per pallet.
Labels Boggiatto®

Availability P=Peak; A=Available

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Salinas

Brawley

Retailer tips

Leaf lettuce appeals to consumers interested in variety and color in salads, so offer consumers a selection. When doing so, make sure all are clearly labeled, especially if grouped side by side.
Lettuce can help promote other salad items because it rarely is served alone and is easy to prepare.
Feature salad tie-in items such as tomatoes, cucumbers, radishes, celery and carrots or any combination thereof in ads with lettuce for a specific price.
Offer salad recipes, dressings and croutons as part of the lettuce display.
Promote lettuce leaves as deli sandwich toppers.
Try a cross-merchandising promotion of bacon, lettuce and tomato sandwiches.

Foodservice tips

On a salad bar, vary the shape of the lettuce to add interest to the bar. Lettuce can be cut into chunks, rafts, wedges and shreds.
Besides the obvious use in salads, shredded lettuce makes an attractive bed for Mexican and Oriental dishes. Try using the whole leaf as a wrap.
To crisp lettuce before using, plunge heads in ice cold water for a few minutes.

Nutrition The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved the following nutrient content descriptors for leaf lettuce: Fat-free, saturated fat-free, low-sodium, cholesterol-free, low in calories, high in vitamin A and a good source of folate.