Safe from 9 months. Lettuce provides vitamin A, vitamin K, and folate. Darker varieties (romaine, red leaf) have significantly more nutrients than iceberg.
Raw lettuce is mild, watery, and very lightly bitter, with crispness that ranges from delicate in butter lettuce to sturdy in romaine. Heat wilts it instantly into a silky, neutral green with almost no flavor of its own, which makes it an easy nutrient-booster in eggs and purees without changing the taste. It pairs naturally with lemon, olive oil, eggs, avocado, soft cheese, and mild grains.
Soft butter lettuce or romaine leaves, torn small. Introduce gradually - the texture can be tricky. Best mixed into other foods early on.
Salads, wraps, sandwiches. Any preparation.
Ingredients
Steps
Egg is a top allergen. This recipe is a good allergen introduction opportunity. If introducing egg for the first time, serve it on its own so you can identify any reaction.
Garden notes
Loose-leaf varieties can be harvested continuously (cut-and-come-again). Bolts quickly in heat.
Direct sow in cool weather - germinates in 7-10 days and is one of the fastest crops.
Harvest for baby
Not a typical BLW food - too slippery for young babies. Better as a wrap or vehicle for other foods after 12 months.
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