Milky White Substance

Question

I have recently let my red leaf lettuce grow too much, and now the leaves are hard and there is milky white liquid that is coming from the stalk when I cut it. What is this, and is it still ok to eat the lettuce after it’s gone to seed?

Answer 1

It is safe to eat but when lettuce goes to seed, it develops a bitter flavor and does not taste good. The milky substance is just the juice, or sap, of the mature plant.