Romaine lettuce

Romano is not just a salad, but a building material for serious dishes. Crispy, dense leaves with a light bitterness hold their shape under any sauce, without turning into mush in five minutes. The 'White Dacha' variety is a Russian selection, adapted to the local climate, with characteristic light-green coloring and a compact head-forming shape.

Structure and taste

Romaine leaves are denser and thicker than iceberg, but more tender than kale. They maintain their crunch well due to high water and fiber content. The taste is slightly sweet with a barely noticeable bitterness that disappears if the salad is well chilled. This makes it ideal for salads where texture is needed, rather than softness.

Where to use

• Caesar and other classic salads — leaves withstand heavy creamy dressings
• Salads with hot components — slightly wilted romaine leaves don't fall apart under hot oil or chicken
• Salads based on minimally processed greens — just tear, dress, and serve
• Garnishes for meat and fish — romaine absorbs sauces well but maintains its shape on the plate

Selection and Storage

Look for a tight head without brown spots or soft areas. The leaves should be firm, light green, with no signs of wilting. If the head is loose or the leaves fall off easily — the lettuce has already started to spoil.

• Do not wash before storage — moisture accelerates rotting
• Place in a bag or container in the refrigerator on the bottom shelf
• Stores for 7–10 days at a temperature of 2–4 degrees
• Before use, rinse with cold water and dry with a centrifuge or towel

Food Pairings

Romaine works well with sharp and acidic sauces — lemon dressing, vinaigrette, mustard dressing. Tomatoes, parmesan, anchovies, chicken, bacon, croutons — all of these are proven partners. The main rule: dress right before serving to keep it crispy.

If you need a salad that won't fall apart under dressing and won't lose its appearance on the plate, romaine is your choice. It's the workhorse of professional kitchens and works just as well at home.