Agricultural system and method for lettuce

A method comprising:

• growing lettuce in a greenhouse using a hydroponic technique, the lettuce having a core and outer leaves;
• separating the core from the outer leaves of the lettuce;
• packaging the outer leaves in a first container and the core in a second container;
• and
• transferring the first container and the second container to a storage device;
• wherein the packaging the outer leaves and the core, and the transferring the first container and the second container, occur in an environment of less than or equal to 41 degrees F.

A system comprising:

• a water source having purified water;
• a growing area for growing romaine lettuce using a hydroponic technique and using the purified water, the romaine lettuce having a heart and outer leaves;
• a processing area for separating the heart from the outer leaves of the romaine lettuce;
• a packaging area for packaging the outer leaves in a first container and packaging the heart in a second container;
• and
• a storage area for the first container and the second container;
• wherein the processing area, the packaging area and the storage area are in an environment of less than or equal to 41 degrees F.;
• and
• wherein the water source, the growing area, the processing area, the packaging area and the storage area are located in a single, environmentally-controlled facility.