Lollo Rosso is a stunning Anthocyanin-rich looseleaf Italian cultivar. It has deeply ruffled leaves of magenta, deep purple, and light green at the base. It is best used as a cut-and-come-again lettuce–it grows back quickly. Use Lollo Rosso to give loft to your salads. Instant gourmet, yet so crazy easy to grow.
High in Anthocyanin: Several studies report high levels of Anthocyanins for Lollo Rosso (Yang et al 2021). Anthocyanins are a powerful flavonoid and antioxidant found in purple/red/blue fruits and veggies. In particular, the type of Anthocyanin predominant in Lollo Rosso is Cyanidin-3-glucoside (C3G), well-known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties (Tan et al 2019).
Lettuce = Powerhouse Leafy Greens: Did you know that lettuce has Antioxidant, Antibacterial and even Antiviral effects? Or that eating just one cup of green leafy veg a day can lower your risk of heart disease? Although public perception is that lettuce has low nutritional value, nutritional data from various studies suggests that lettuce can provide a considerable amount of healthy nutrients, especially Folate, carotenoids (Vitamin A, lutein), Vitamin K and flavonoids.
Check out our Musing on the powerful protective effects and health benefits of the humble lettuce.
How to Plant: (1) Lettuce seeds need light to germinate. Sow seeds on the surface of soil, press in and cover lightly with soil; (2) Keep soil moist as lettuce has a shallow root system; and (3) Sow or plant out in early spring before weather gets hot. Lettuce will bolt (go to seed) and become bitter tasting when the temperatures get hot. Lollo Rosso does well in the garden or in a container.
