National Lettuce Wraps Day

A smiling chef wearing a lettuce-themed hat, preparing delicious lettuce wraps, surrounded by fresh vegetables and vibrant colors.. — National lettuce wraps day illustration

Welcome to National Lettuce Wraps Day, a day to celebrate the crunchy, refreshing, and oh-so-delicious world of lettuce wraps! Get ready to wrap and roll with us as we dive into the history and mouthwatering goodness of this beloved dish.

When is Lettuce Wraps Day?

It's national lettuce wraps day on the 20th July.

The Origins of National Lettuce Wraps Day

While lettuce wraps have been enjoyed by many cultures for centuries, the internet played a crucial role in elevating them to national day status. Back in July 2015, the internet exploded with mentions of lettuce wraps. People couldn't stop talking about this versatile dish, and it quickly became a favorite among food enthusiasts, fitness lovers, and anyone seeking a healthier alternative to traditional wraps.

The popularity and online buzz around lettuce wraps were so substantial that it led to the birth of National Lettuce Wraps Day. It was decided that every year on July 20th, people would come together and celebrate the crisp goodness of lettuce wraps in all their glory.

How to Celebrate

Celebrating National Lettuce Wraps Day is as easy as wrapping your favorite ingredients in a crisp lettuce leaf! Whether you prefer a classic chicken lettuce wrap, a vegetarian tofu wrap, or even a seafood extravaganza, the possibilities are endless.

Invite your loved ones to a lettuce wrap party and challenge each other to create the most delicious and creative wraps. You can also host a lettuce wrap cook-off, where everyone brings their own signature filling to share and compete for the title of 'Lettuce Wrap Master'.

If you're feeling adventurous, why not try recreating some famous lettuce wraps from around the world? Explore the flavors of Korean Ssam, Vietnamese Bo Bia, or even Thai Larb, and embark on a flavorful journey without leaving your kitchen.

Did You Know?

Did you know that lettuce wraps have a long history in Asian cuisine? In China, lettuce wraps are known as 'Sang Choy Bow' and are believed to have been popular during the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD). They were traditionally served as an appetizer or a light snack.

History behind the term 'Lettuce Wraps'

4500 BCE

Early Cultivation

Lettuce, believed to have originated in ancient Egypt, was cultivated as a leafy green vegetable. It was primarily grown for its edible leaves rather than for its seeds or stem. The crisp and refreshing nature of lettuce made it a popular ingredient in different culinary traditions.

221 BCE

Introduction to China

During the reign of the Han Dynasty, lettuce made its way to China from the region of present-day Iran and Afghanistan. The Chinese embraced the leafy vegetable, incorporating it into various recipes. The concept of wrapping food in lettuce leaves began to take shape.

1368-1644 CE

Imperial Cuisine

In the Ming Dynasty, lettuce wraps gained popularity in the imperial courts. The chefs of the time developed intricate recipes using lettuce leaves as edible vessels to enclose a variety of fillings. These delicacies were enjoyed by the emperor and the nobility.

20th Century

International Influence

As global cuisines developed and interacted, lettuce wraps found their way onto menus worldwide. The adaptation became particularly popular in Asian cuisine, with variations like the Korean ssam, where different meats and condiments are wrapped in lettuce.

1983 CE

The Modern Lettuce Wraps

The term 'lettuce wraps' gained recognition in the 1980s when the American-Chinese restaurant chain, P.F. Chang's China Bistro, introduced their famous 'Lettuce Wraps' dish. This dish, filled with a flavorful mixture of stir-fried chicken or beef, vegetables, and sauces, became an instant hit, popularizing lettuce wraps in the United States.