Lettuce & salad greens

In season in SW Michigan

In season

Months from the MSU Extension seasonal availability guide. Weather shifts dates a little each year.

Key nutrients

%DV uses FDA Daily Values for adults and children 4+. Values are USDA lab averages scaled to the serving; your harvest may differ.

Wellness

A cup of shredded green leaf lettuce has about 5 calories, 45 mcg of vitamin K (38% DV) and 133 mcg of vitamin A (15% DV). That makes it a good source of vitamin A. (USDA) The NIH Office of Dietary Supplements says vitamin K is important for blood clotting and healthy bones. (NIH ODS) In large long-term studies cited by Harvard's Nutrition Source, green leafy vegetables such as lettuce, spinach and Swiss chard were among those most strongly linked with lower risk of cardiovascular disease. (Harvard)

Pick, store and use

• Store

  Wrap unwashed greens in moist paper towels and keep them in a sealed plastic bag in the crisper. They keep about 3–4 days. (MSU Extension)

• Use

  Greens often carry dirt and grit, so wash them well in several changes of water just before using. (MSU Extension)

Where to get it nearby

No farm in our directory lists lettuce or salad greens by name yet. Many farm markets carry more than their listing says, so it's worth asking.

See all farms →