Maya Ellison
A viral video from 2018 showed a woman peeling what appeared to be a thin plastic film from romaine lettuce. The video sparked concern among viewers, who speculated that the lettuce sold in stores was contaminated with plastic. This concern was further fuelled by a nationwide E. coli outbreak affecting romaine lettuce at the time. However, experts have confirmed that the translucent film seen in the video is not plastic but rather the natural response of the lettuce to cold temperatures, known as epidermal peeling or epidermal blistering.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Is romaine lettuce covered in plastic? | No, it is a natural substance which forms when the lettuce is grown in colder temperatures. |
| Where is romaine lettuce grown? | Yuma, Arizona |
| What is the natural substance called? | Epidermal blistering, epidermal peeling, or frostbite |
| What does it look like? | A thin, plastic-like coating |
| Is it harmful? | No |
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What You'll Learn
The 'plastic' film on romaine lettuce is a natural substance
There have been rumours circulating online since at least 2012 that romaine lettuce is covered in a thin layer of plastic. These rumours have been spread by viral videos showing people peeling a plastic-like film off the leaves of romaine lettuce. However, the claims are entirely baseless. The substance in the videos is not plastic but a natural substance that forms when the lettuce is exposed to cold temperatures during the growing process. This phenomenon is known as "epidermal blistering" or "epidermal peeling" and occurs when the outer skin of the lettuce experiences a type of "freeze burn" or "frostbite", resulting in a blistering of the skin, similar to a sunburn in humans. While it may look like plastic, this film is completely safe and natural and is not harmful in any way.
The confusion around this topic can be attributed to the fact that romaine lettuce has been in the news due to E. coli scares and contamination concerns. As a result, people are understandably cautious about the safety of their food. However, it is important to verify the information before spreading warnings, as in this case, the rumours are unfounded.
The process of epidermal peeling is well-documented and understood in the agricultural world. It occurs when freezing weather conditions cause blistering in romaine and other types of lettuce, leading to the formation of a thin protective layer on the leaves that can be peeled off. While it may be unsettling to see, this natural occurrence is not harmful and is simply the lettuce's response to cold temperatures.
The lettuce industry has also addressed these rumours. Markon, a major food service company that produces fruits and vegetables, has confirmed that epidermal peeling is natural and provided explanations through their Head of Quality Assurance, John Galvez. He explained that freezing temperatures cause epidermal blisters on the inner and outer parts of the leaf, and warmer weather can cause the blisters to expand, open up, and discolour.
In conclusion, while the plastic film on romaine lettuce may look concerning, it is indeed a natural substance. This phenomenon is a well-understood response of the lettuce to cold temperatures and is not harmful in any way. It is important to separate fact from fiction and verify information before spreading warnings to avoid unnecessary panic and confusion.
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The substance is the epidermal or skin layer of the lettuce
There have been rumours circulating online since at least 2012 that romaine lettuce is covered in a thin layer of plastic. This misinformation has been spread by viral videos showing people pulling off what appears to be plastic from the leaves of romaine lettuce. These videos are misleading. The substance in question is not plastic, but rather the epidermal or skin layer of the lettuce.
The formation of this epidermal layer is a natural process that occurs in response to cold temperatures during the growing process. It is a well-documented phenomenon known as "epidermal blistering" or "epidermal peeling". When exposed to freezing temperatures, the outer skin of romaine lettuce can experience a type of ""freeze burn", resulting in blistering similar to that observed on human skin after a burn. This blistering forms a thin, protective layer on the leaves that can be peeled off.
The confusion likely arises because the epidermal layer can resemble plastic. However, it is important to emphasise that this substance is entirely natural and not harmful in any way. It is simply the lettuce's response to cold temperatures, much like how human skin gets sunburnt. The peeling of the epidermal layer is not an indication of contamination or any external application.
The rumours of plastic-covered lettuce are particularly concerning to consumers due to previous incidences of E. coli contamination in romaine lettuce. However, it is important to clarify that the epidermal peeling is unrelated to any contamination issues. The lettuce's epidermal layer is a natural phenomenon resulting from temperature changes and does not pose any health risks.
In conclusion, while the viral videos and online rumours may cause concern, the substance observed being peeled off romaine lettuce leaves is not plastic. It is the lettuce's natural epidermal or skin layer, formed in response to cold temperatures. This process, known as epidermal blistering or peeling, is well-documented in agriculture and poses no harm to consumers.
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It is caused by frostbite or freeze burn
There have been rumours circulating online that romaine lettuce is covered in a thin layer of plastic. These rumours are baseless, and the substance in question is a natural response to frostbite or freeze burn. Frost damage in lettuce causes a variety of symptoms depending on the severity and length of the freezing period. While a brief frost is unlikely to hurt romaine lettuce, extended exposure to freezing temperatures can cause irreversible damage.
When a plant's cell walls form ice within them, the water expands and can rupture the cell walls. Leaf vegetables like lettuce have more room in their cell tissues and can withstand some ice formation. However, when freeze damage does occur, the outer cuticle of the leaf separates from the underlying tissue, causing a bronzed colour due to the death of epidermal cells. This process is known as "epidermal blistering" or "epidermal peeling".
Romaine lettuce, in particular, is grown in Arizona, which experiences very cold temperatures at night. The lettuce's response to these cold temperatures is the formation of a filmy white epidermis, similar to how human skin gets a sunburn. This natural substance is not harmful and can be peeled off the lettuce leaves.
To protect lettuce from frost damage, gardeners can plant romaine or butterhead lettuce, which are the most cold-tolerant varieties. Additionally, covering the garden with sheets or towels can provide some protection during frost events. While lettuce can withstand brief frosts, extended exposure to freezing temperatures can cause damage and affect the edibility of the plant.
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The lettuce was grown in cold temperatures
There have been several claims and viral videos of romaine lettuce leaves being covered in plastic. However, these claims are entirely baseless. The "plastic" that people are peeling off the lettuce leaves is not plastic at all but a natural substance that forms when the lettuce is grown in cold temperatures. This natural phenomenon is known as "epidermal blistering" or "epidermal peeling".
Lettuce grown in Arizona, where 98% of lettuce in the US is grown, frequently experiences very cold temperatures at night. The outer skin of the lettuce then experiences a type of "freeze burn", resulting in a "'blistering' of the skin, much like what would happen if human skin experienced a burn. This translucent film on the lettuce leaves is the lettuce's response to the cold, similar to how human skin gets a sunburn.
The "epidermal peeling" that occurs is a completely natural occurrence, but it can make it difficult for the lettuce to be harvested and processed. The lettuce grower, Markon, has stated that the film is not plastic and is simply the lettuce's response to cold temperatures. The USDA has also confirmed that the film is not plastic and is a natural result of the lettuce being exposed to cold temperatures during the growing process or transportation.
The recent scare with E. coli-contaminated lettuce has likely contributed to the spread of these rumours. However, it is important to note that the "plastic" film on the lettuce leaves is not harmful or dangerous in any way and is simply a natural response to cold temperatures.
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The video of a woman peeling the substance is misleading
A video of a woman peeling a plastic-like substance off a romaine lettuce has been circulating online. The video has caused a buzz online, with thousands of shares, views, and comments. The woman in the video, Karen Martin Collins, claims that the lettuce sold in stores is contaminated with plastic. This claim, however, is misleading.
The substance being peeled off the lettuce leaves in the video is not plastic. It is a natural substance called epidermal blistering or epidermal peeling. This phenomenon occurs when the lettuce is exposed to cold temperatures during the growing process. Arizona, where 98% of lettuce in the US is grown, frequently experiences very cold temperatures at night. As a result, the outer skin of the lettuce gets frostbite, leading to blistering of the skin. This blistering can be peeled off, similar to how human skin peels after a sunburn.
The lettuce's response to the cold is a natural process that has nothing to do with any external application or contamination. Markon, a major food service company, confirms that epidermal peeling is a normal occurrence. While it may make the lettuce look unappealing, it is not harmful or dangerous in any way. The recent E. coli scare affecting romaine lettuce has likely contributed to the spread of this misleading video and the concerns surrounding lettuce contamination.
It is important to verify information before sharing it online to prevent the spread of misinformation. While the video may appear concerning, it is essential to understand the natural processes that occur in food production and the impact of environmental factors, such as temperature, on the quality and appearance of our food.
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Frequently asked questions
No, the substance being peeled off lettuce leaves in viral videos is a natural substance which forms when the lettuce is grown in colder temperatures. It is the epidermal or skin layer of the lettuce and not plastic.
Romaine lettuce grown in places like Arizona and California experiences freezing weather conditions at night, causing blistering in the lettuce, resulting in a thin protective layer on the leaves that can be peeled off.
The substance is not harmful in any way. It is not plastic, nor is it related to contamination or E. coli as some viral videos have claimed.
The substance appears similar to plastic and has been described as a translucent film.
If your romaine lettuce is peeling, it is likely this natural phenomenon occurring due to rapid temperature changes and is not linked to any contamination.
