When was lettuce introduced to China?

Lettuce is the common name for leaf lettuce, also known as goose lettuce, wo lettuce, and mai lettuce, among others. It is 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 nutritious, can be eaten raw, and is crisp and refreshing with a slight sweetness. Let's take a look below 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 China around the late Qing Dynasty. In China, it is cultivated more extensively along the southeast coast, especially in the suburbs 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 ordinary people's dining tables.

Is lettuce a genetically modified vegetable?

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

What edible value does lettuce have?

Lettuce is rich in nutrients, containing large amounts of βcarotene, antioxidants, vitamin B1, B6, vitamin E, vitamin C, as well as a large amount 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 blood circulation in the stomach and intestines, 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-disinfecting and diuretic effects.