Celtuce, also called stem lettuce or asparagus lettuce, is a cultivar of Lactuca sativa grown primarily for its thick, fleshy central stem rather than its leaves. The pale green stem has a crisp, watery texture and a mildly sweet, faintly nutty flavor reminiscent of cucumber and artichoke heart.
History & Origins
Celtuce has been cultivated in China for over a thousand years, with references appearing in agricultural treatises of the Song and Ming dynasties under names such as wosun (莴笋). It was introduced to European horticulture in the late 19th century by botanists including Vilmorin-Andrieux, and reached North American seed catalogs by the 1890s. Today it remains a specialty ingredient across East and Southeast Asia and is grown by heirloom gardeners worldwide.
Nutrition Facts
Per 100 g, edible portion (estimated)
- 22 kcalCalories
- 1.1 gProtein
- 0.2 gFat
- 4.6 gCarbs
- 1.7 gFiber
- 0.9 gSugars
- 330 mgPotassium
- 10 mgVitamin C
- 350 mcgVitamin A
Culinary Uses
- Stir-fried with garlic, dried chilies, and Sichuan peppercorns (yau sun chow ngau yuk)
- Julienned raw and dressed with sesame oil, soy, and rice vinegar
- Pickled in rice bran or salted brine as a crunchy condiment
- Added to hot pot and braised dishes for texture
- Stuffed, braised whole, or grilled with seasonings
Known Benefits
- Very low in calories and suitable for weight-control diets
- Provides vitamin A for vision and immune support
- Source of dietary fiber that aids digestion
- Contains vitamin C as an antioxidant nutrient
Hidden Benefits
- Contains lactucin and lactucarium, mild sedative compounds shared with wild lettuce
- Provides plant calcium and iron in modest but usable amounts
- Stem tissues are rich in cucurbitacins with anti-inflammatory research interest
Cautions & Considerations
- Contains oxalates; individuals with a history of calcium-oxalate kidney stones should moderate intake
- The milky latex sap exuded when cut can cause contact dermatitis in sensitive handlers
- Must be washed well to remove soil trapped beneath leaf bases
- Young leaves, while edible, can be bitter and are usually discarded
