Origin and History

Lettuce

As judged by paintings of leaves identified as lettuce in some Egyptian tombs, it appears lettuce was cultivated as far back as 4500 BC These paintings further suggest that it was a common crop widely known and appreciated. The leaves appear to represent those of the Romaine type.

Lettuce spread throughout the Mediterranean basin at an early date. Numerous Greek and Roman references cite its use. Lettuce was probably spread via Romans to the rest of Europe. Post Columbus movement brought lettuce from Europe to the New World.

Most types of commercial lettuce, and particularly crisphead types, have been genetically modified by human selection or plant breeding so they can no longer survive as wild plants. Early selection by humans probably was based on non-shattering, delayed bolting, non-spininess, decrease in latex (white sap), increased seed size, and heading characteristics. Selection for greater bolting resistance and resistance to disease was relatively recent.

Therefore, cultivated lettuce has an uncertain origin since it does not exist in the wild. Modern lettuce is believed to be derived from L. serriola. The sativa-serriola complex is large, polymorphic, and capable of free interchange of genes with little or no reduction in fertility. L. sativa may have been derived directly from L. serriola through selection.

Endive

Thought to be East Indian in origin. Eaten by Egyptians and Greeks long before the Christian era.

Chicory

Probably native to Asia and for Mediterranean Europe and probably used as a non-cultivated salad plant for centuries.