It’s hard to think of another tasty garnish that’s risen to such stellar heights on so many restaurant menus.
Ten years ago, kale ascended from the bottom of the leafy food chain to become a celebrity-endorsed health food with its slightly sweet, cabbage taste and impressive nutritional bona fides. However, the dark green stuff has some stiff competition when it goes head-to-head with tender, tasty romaine lettuce hearts.
Scoring by the Numbers
There’s no denying kale’s nutritional kick, and its numbers deserve a close look. Its sturdy leaves rank high in vitamins A and C, folate and calcium, and it earns 49.07 points out of 100 on the CDC’s Nutrient Density Scorecard.
That puts kale in 15th place among its vegetable peers. It enjoys the spotlight as an ingredient in pesto sauces, cocktails and face creams, but CDC standards elevate romaine to ninth place. The tender green earns 63.48 points as a heart-healthy delivery system for vitamins A, B1, C and K. Add potassium, copper, manganese, iron, folate and dietary fiber, and you have a hearty lettuce that holds its own when compared to a serving of kale.
Adding Up the Benefits
Professional nutritionists write books explaining how different vitamins and minerals keep bodies healthy, but most diners are satisfied knowing that hearts of romaine offer many benefits that make it an outstanding crunchy selection.
Romaine is an obvious choice for weight control because it only delivers 17 calories per 1100 grams. However, its high levels of beta-carotene make the hypoallergenic lettuce an excellent heart-healthy choice, and its natural phytochemicals neutralize free radicals and inhibit carcinogenic enzymes. A high water volume and plenty of fiber make romaine a satisfying dish that aids digestion.
Designing Delicious Menus
With its dark good looks and irresistible flavor, kale is a leafy delight on diners’ plates. However, a head of romaine is delicious from outer leaves in, and the heart is its hidden treasure. The tender core yields up a softly yellow serving filled with mouthwatering textures and a touch of sweetness.
This is one of the healthiest green leaf lettuces, and it’s also one of the most elegant. Romaine hearts are hearty in the walk-in for five to seven days, so you can design daily specials around their long-lasting freshness while they remain a permanent star on your regular menu. Diners expect the best from your kitchen, and they appreciate healthy choices. Romaine always fills both bills regardless of season or trend.
Leafy competition is always healthy, but hearts of romaine will grace restaurant tables with good taste for as long as diners enjoy delicious choices. Hitchcock Farms is proud to be a produce company that raises premium romaine lettuce with sustainable practices. Whenever you need help winning diners’ hearts and pleasing their discerning palates, just give your wholesale produce distributor a call for California’s freshest produce
