Whether you’re looking for the perfect salad base or the perfect accompaniment to your sandwich, there’s nothing quite like lettuce. With so many different varieties out there, how do you know which one is best for you? Here’s a closer look at the nine types of lettuce and how you can use them in your cooking.
Lettuce has been cultivated for thousands of years and is believed to have originated in ancient Egypt. The ancient Egyptians considered lettuce to be a symbol of fertility and used it in religious ceremonies. They also believed lettuce had medicinal properties and would use it to treat insomnia, indigestion, and to increase milk production in nursing mothers.
9 Types of Lettuce
From crisp, crunchy iceberg to the slightly bitter radicchio, there are a wide range of lettuce varieties out there, each with their own unique flavor and texture.
1. Iceberg Lettuce
Iceberg lettuce, also known as crisphead lettuce, is a type of lettuce that is characterized by its firm, tightly packed head of leaves. The leaves are typically light green in color and have a crisp, crunchy texture. Iceberg lettuce is known for its mild flavor, which makes it a popular choice for salads and sandwiches.
Iceberg lettuce is low in calories and a good source of hydration, as it is mostly made up of water. It is also often used in tacos and other Mexican dishes. However, it has less nutritional value compared to other types of lettuce, like red leaf lettuce or romaine lettuce.
2. Romaine Lettuce
Romaine lettuce, also known as cos lettuce, is a type of lettuce that is characterized by its long, crisp leaves and tall, firm head. The leaves are typically a dark green color and have a slightly bitter and nutty flavor; they are also a key ingredient in Caesar salad.
Romaine lettuce can be eaten raw in salads, sandwiches, or as a garnish, or it can be cooked in a variety of dishes, such as stir-fries, soups, and stews. It is also a popular ingredient in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine.
3. Red Leaf Lettuce
Red leaf lettuce is a type of lettuce that is characterized by its red-colored leaves. It is a variety of lettuce that is commonly found in salads and sandwiches. The leaves of red leaf lettuce are typically crisp and have a slightly sweeter and more robust flavor than green leaf lettuce. The color of red leaf lettuce can vary, with some varieties having a deeper red color and others having more of a purple or maroon hue.
Red leaf lettuce can also be used as a base for a wrap or as a topping for a pizza. Red leaf lettuce is also a popular ingredient in many types of cuisine, including Asian, Mediterranean, and Mexican.
4. Butterhead Lettuce
Butter lettuce, also known as Boston or Bibb lettuce, is known for its tender leaves and its sweet flavor. It is often used in salads and sandwiches, and it is a great lettuce to use if you want a salad with a mild flavor. Its leaves are usually small and round, and they have a soft, buttery texture that gives it its name. Its delicate leaves pair well with a variety of ingredients, such as nuts, fruits, and cheese. One of the best ways to use butter lettuce is in a Caesar salad, as it can hold up to the creamy dressing.
Butter lettuce can also be used as a wrap for sandwiches, giving them a fresh and crunchy texture. Its delicate leaves are also perfect for creating a bed for seafood dishes such as poached salmon or crab cakes. Butter lettuce can also be used as a garnish for soups and stews, adding a fresh and crisp flavor to the dish. It can also be used in smoothies or juices for added nutrition and a fresh, crisp taste.
5. Celtuce
Celtuce, also known as stem lettuce or asparagus lettuce, is a type of lettuce that is grown for its thick stem rather than its leaves. It is a member of the Lactuca genus, which also includes common types of lettuce such as leaf lettuce, romaine lettuce, and butterhead lettuce. It is native to China and has been cultivated for thousands of years.
The stem of celtuce is thick, crunchy, and has a slightly sweet and nutty flavor. It is often used in Chinese cuisine, where it is stir-fried, braised, or eaten raw in salads. The leaves of celtuce are also edible, but they are often discarded because they can be tough and bitter.
6. Oilseed Lettuce
Oilseed lettuce is a type of lettuce that is grown specifically for its oil-rich seeds. It is not commonly grown for the consumption of its leaves and is not typically found in grocery stores or restaurants. The oil from oilseed lettuce is extracted from the seeds and can be used for a variety of purposes, including as a cooking oil, in cosmetics, and as a biofuel.
Oilseed lettuce is not commonly grown for consumption, but it is gaining popularity as a source of oil that can be used as a sustainable alternative to traditional oil crops like palm oil and soybean oil.
7. Little Gem Lettuce
Little Gem lettuce is a type of lettuce that is characterized by its small, compact size and crisp texture and is quite popular in the UK. It is a variety of butterhead lettuce, and its leaves are soft, sweet, and buttery, similar to Boston lettuce. The leaves are tightly packed together and form a small, round head. Little gem lettuce is a versatile vegetable; it can be eaten raw in salads, sandwiches, or as a garnish.
8. Leaf Lettuce
Leaf lettuce is a type of lettuce that is characterized by its loose, tender leaves that are typically light green in color. It is also known as "cut-and-come-again" lettuce because it can be harvested by cutting the leaves as needed, and the plant will continue to grow new leaves. It is one of the most popular types of lettuce, and it is commonly found in salads and sandwiches.
9. Summercrisp Lettuce
Summercrisp lettuce, also known as Batavia lettuce, is a type of lettuce that is characterized by its crisp texture and mild flavor. It is a cross between butterhead and crisphead lettuce, tastes sweeter, and is more delicate than regular crisphead lettuce.
This lettuce is also a great option for container gardening and can be grown in small spaces, making it an ideal choice for urban gardeners.
With so many different types of lettuce out there, it’s easy to find one that works with your favorite recipes. So, if you’re looking for a delicious and nutritious ingredient or something that’ll add freshness and taste, simply reach for some lettuce.