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Origin Story

Originating in Italy, Lollo Bionda derives its name from the Italian word for "blonde," reflecting its distinctive light green leaf color. It is a traditional cultivar group selected from the crispa leaf type of Lactuca sativa, though its exact breeder and release date remain undocumented.

Classification

Classified botanically as Lactuca sativa var. crispa, Lollo Bionda belongs to the leaf lettuce group within the species. It is closely related to Lollo Rosso, sharing similar frilled leaf morphology but differing primarily in leaf coloration.

Appearance or Form

This lettuce forms a loose, open rosette typically about 25 centimeters in diameter. Its leaves are crisp, bright light to medium green, and densely arranged with deeply curled, frilly margins that create an attractive, textured head.

Behavior or Usage

Lollo Bionda is cultivated mainly for fresh consumption, where its tender, crisp leaves enhance salads and garnishes. It is harvested either as whole heads or by picking loose leaves, making it suitable for cut-and-come-again harvesting. The variety prefers cool growing conditions and is moderately sensitive to heat, which can induce bolting.

Merchandise & Prints

Bring this kind into your world � illustrated posters, mugs, and shirts.

Lollo Bionda Lettuce Lollo Bionda Lettuce Poster

Lollo Bionda Lettuce Poster

Archival print, museum-grade paper

Lollo Bionda Lettuce Lollo Bionda Lettuce Mug

Lollo Bionda Lettuce Mug

Stoneware mug, dishwasher safe

Lollo Bionda Lettuce Lollo Bionda Lettuce Shirt

Lollo Bionda Lettuce Shirt

Soft cotton tee, unisex sizes

Attributes & Insights

Taxon-Specific Insights

🌍Cultural Significance

Widely appreciated in European culinary traditions, especially in Italy and Germany, Lollo Bionda is valued for its ornamental leaf form and mild flavor. Its distinctive frilly leaves often feature in gourmet and decorative salad presentations, reflecting a cultural preference for visually appealing fresh produce.

📌Notable Facts

  • Lollo Bionda is closely related to Lollo Rosso but distinguished by its bright green rather than red leaves.
  • It forms a loose, non-heading rosette rather than a compact head.
  • The cultivar is moderately tolerant to bolting, making it suitable for spring and summer cultivation.
  • Its delicate leaves result in a shorter storage life compared to sturdier iceberg lettuces.
  • It is commonly sold as whole heads or loose leaves in European markets.

🥬Varieties And Types

Lollo Bionda belongs to the leaf lettuce group, characterized by loose, frilly leaves. It is often paired with Lollo Rosso, its red-leafed counterpart, both deriving from the crispa leaf type of Lactuca sativa. These varieties are distinct from head lettuces like Iceberg or Butterhead due to their open form and textured leaves.

Visual Variations

High resolution photograph of a single Lollo Bionda Lettuce
High resolution photograph of a single Lollo Bionda Lettuce
Detailed close-up image of a freshly cut cross-section of Lollo Bionda Lettuce, of the taxonomy lettuce
Detailed close-up image of a freshly cut cross-section of Lollo Bionda Lettuce, of the taxonomy lettuce
Naturalistic photograph of Lollo Bionda Lettuce growing in a field or garden, representing its environment as part of the taxonomy lettuce
Naturalistic photograph of Lollo Bionda Lettuce growing in a field or garden, representing its environment as part of the taxonomy lettuce
Photograph of a diverse pair of hands preparing or serving Lollo Bionda Lettuce in a kitchen setting
Photograph of a diverse pair of hands preparing or serving Lollo Bionda Lettuce in a kitchen setting
Image showing Lollo Bionda Lettuce as part of a finished dish, such as a salad or sandwich
Image showing Lollo Bionda Lettuce as part of a finished dish, such as a salad or sandwich
Macro shot capturing the texture and surface details of a leaf from Lollo Bionda Lettuce, within taxonomy lettuce
Macro shot capturing the texture and surface details of a leaf from Lollo Bionda Lettuce, within taxonomy lettuce

Composition & Context

Taxon-Specific Insights

🌱Cultivation Tips

For best growth, plant Lollo Bionda in cool conditions during spring or early summer. It prefers well-drained soil and consistent moisture to maintain leaf crispness. Because it is heat sensitive, avoid high temperatures that may cause premature bolting. Harvest can be done by cutting whole heads or selectively picking outer leaves to encourage regrowth.

🍽️Nutritional Information

Lollo Bionda lettuce offers a crisp, low-calorie addition to salads, providing hydration and dietary fiber. Like other leaf lettuces, it contains vitamins A and C, along with antioxidants that support overall health, making it a nutritious choice for fresh consumption.

🐛Common Pests And Diseases

Lollo Bionda is susceptible to common lettuce pests such as aphids, slugs, and leaf miners. It may also be vulnerable to fungal diseases like downy mildew and powdery mildew, especially in humid conditions. Managing these threats involves good air circulation, crop rotation, and timely pest control measures.

Faq

What does Lollo Bionda lettuce look like? It has bright green, deeply frilled, and curly leaves forming a loose rosette.

Is Lollo Bionda suitable for cooking? It is primarily eaten fresh due to its tender texture and mild flavor, rarely cooked.

Where is Lollo Bionda commonly grown? It is popular in Italy, Germany, and other parts of Europe.