Content
Lolo Rossa salad is one of those types of crops that are very popular among gardeners. After all, it not only has an excellent taste, contains a large number of useful components, but is also characterized by increased decorative properties. This salad comes from Italy and is a variety of the well-known lettuce. It goes well with other products and can become not only an addition to a dish, but also one of its main components.
Lollo Rossa is also called “coral” salad due to the intricate ruggedness of its leaves.
Description of Lollo Rossa salad
This plant belongs to the category of annuals. Lollo Rossa lettuce is a semi-headed leaf-type variety. It forms semi-erect lush rosettes, the height of which reaches 25 cm, and the diameter is about 30 cm. The plant has a small stalk of a soft green hue with a dense crunchy structure. The root of Lollo Rossa lettuce is superficial and underdeveloped, so the crop needs regular watering.
The leaves are large, collected in a loose bunch, red-green in color, curly. They taste crispy and piquant. This variety of lettuce is intended for fresh consumption.
This type of crop belongs to the category of early varieties. The duration of its growing season is 40-45 days. The crop can be grown in open ground, greenhouses, greenhouses, and hydroponics. The variety shows the greatest productivity in temperate climates. The plant is cold-resistant and unpretentious.
The Lollo Rossa crop tolerates transportation well, but is not suitable for long-term storage. This salad has a rich nutty taste, with a slight bitterness. The weight of the plant with proper care reaches 330 g.
Advantages and disadvantages
This variety of lettuce has many advantages, which is confirmed by reviews from consumers and gardeners. But it also has certain disadvantages that need to be taken into account.
The mass of a leaf rosette of this type of lettuce reaches 330 g
Main advantages:
- excellent taste;
- attractive appetizing appearance;
- low maintenance;
- low sensitivity to temperature changes;
- high productivity;
- increased content of vitamins;
- high natural immunity;
- suitability for transportation;
- early ripeness;
- undemanding to soil composition.
Flaws:
- requires regular watering;
- does not tolerate heat well;
- short storage period.
Features of growing Lollo Rossa lettuce from seeds in open ground
Choosing a place for this variety of lettuce should be sunny, open, but protected from drafts. It is recommended to prepare the area two weeks before planting.To do this, you need to dig it up, remove the roots of perennial weeds and add humus at the rate of 5 kg per 1 sq. m. m. It is recommended to plant the Lollo Rossa variety at the end of April, at the beginning of May, when the soil warms up sufficiently to a depth of 10 cm.
Sowing must be carried out in furrows, maintaining a distance between rows of 20 cm. Planting depth is 1-1.5 cm. After the procedure, water the area generously by sprinkling and cover with agrofibre. When friendly shoots appear, which happens on the 7-10th day, remove the cover completely.
To successfully grow Lollo Rossa, seedlings need to be thinned out as they grow. It is also recommended to regularly loosen the soil at their base and water as the top layer of soil dries. It is recommended to feed the crop twice per season. To do this, you need to use chicken manure 1:15 or mullein 1:10. You can get three harvests of lettuce per season if you sow every two weeks.
When harvesting, the plant must be pulled out by the roots. This will keep the salad fresh for as long as possible.
The yield of Lollo Rossa is 2.3-3.1 kg per 1 sq. m
Composition and calorie content
This type of lettuce has a rich chemical composition. The leaves contain vitamins: A, B9, C, beta-carotene. The product is also characterized by a high concentration of minerals. In terms of potassium content, Lollo Rossa surpasses all known types of lettuce. Its leaves also contain a lot of iron and magnesium.
The calorie content of the fresh product is 16 Kcal per 100 g. Therefore, it can be consumed without harm to the figure.
The benefits and harms of Lollo Rossa salad
This salad is easily digested by the body, so it is an excellent source of fiber.And, as you know, this component is necessary to normalize the function of the digestive organs. Lollo Rossa helps prevent anemia and increase hemoglobin. It is useful to use it after mental stress, as well as to improve memory.
Other useful properties of Lollo Rossa:
- normalizes water balance in the body;
- improves bile flow;
- has a beneficial effect on the immune system and heart muscle;
- removes toxins from the body;
- has an anti-inflammatory effect.
But this product also has certain contraindications. Therefore, in order not to cause harm to health, they must be taken into account.
It is not recommended to eat Lollo Rossa salad if:
- individual intolerance;
- urolithiasis;
- in the acute stage of colitis.
The type of lettuce is suitable for industrial and private cultivation
Application
Lollo Rossa is widely used in cooking. Its leaves go well with fish, seafood, fruits, vegetables, and citrus fruits. It can also be served with feta cheese, basil, and olives. To season dishes with Lollo Rossa, it is recommended to use vegetable oils, lemon, mustard, and sour cream sauce.
Conclusion
Lollo Rossa salad is rightfully considered one of the best varieties of lettuce. After all, it is a record holder for the content of useful components. Therefore, its regular consumption in moderate quantities helps solve many health problems. If desired, you can grow crops on the balcony all year round if you arrange good lighting.
Reviews of Lollo Rossa salad
