When was lettuce introduced to China?

Lettuce is the common name for leaf lettuce, also known as goose lettuce, wosun, and maizai, an annual or biennial herbaceous crop of the genus Lactuca in the Asteraceae family. According to leaf growth form, it can be divided into head lettuce, curly-leaf lettuce and upright lettuce. It is rich in nutrients and can be eaten raw, crisp and refreshing with a slight sweetness. Now let us take a look at when lettuce was introduced to China!

When was lettuce introduced to China?

Lettuce originated along the Mediterranean coast of Europe, domesticated from wild species, and was first eaten by the ancient Greeks and Romans. It was introduced to our country around the late Qing Dynasty. In China, it is cultivated more extensively in the southeastern coastal areas, especially in the outskirts of large cities and in the Guangdong and Guangxi regions. In recent years, as the cultivation area has expanded rapidly, it has gradually moved from hotels and restaurants onto the dining tables of ordinary people.

Is lettuce a genetically modified vegetable?

Lettuce is not a genetically modified vegetable. At present, apart from large-scale imported genetically modified soybeans and corn, other genetically modified vegetables are uncommon. Although genetically modified tomatoes and other genetically modified vegetables were once approved in China, genetically modified tomatoes have basically been eliminated worldwide because their skin is too thick and their taste is poor.

What nutritional value does lettuce have?

Lettuce is rich in nutrients, containing large amounts of β carotene, antioxidants, vitamin B1, B6, vitamin E, vitamin C, as well as large amounts of dietary fiber and trace elements such as magnesium, phosphorus, calcium and small amounts of iron, copper and zinc. It can enhance the digestion and absorption of protein and fat, improve gastrointestinal blood circulation, and also protect the liver, promote bile formation, prevent bile stasis, and effectively prevent gallstones and cholecystitis. In addition, lettuce can remove waste from the blood and has blood-purifying and diuretic effects.