called. Keeping this in view, what are different types of lettuce? If this is something that you usually have in your salad then you might want to change to one of the types of lettuce on this list. This nutrient acts as a potent antioxidant and is vital for skin, eye, and immune health (11, 12, 13). Loose-leaf lettuce is just that – leaves are cut loose (i.e., not bunched into a head), while Romaine and Crisphead lettuce varieties are (usually) bought as a head. Bibb. Lettuce varieties fall into two main categories, says Susannah Ball, Product Development Manager at PanAmerican Seed. As with mizuna lettuce, oak leaf lettuce is available in many varieties; each variety comes in a different color ranging from green to red to bronze. Different types of lettuce are used most often for salads but they show up in recipes for everything from soups and sandwiches and wraps. What they all share is loose leaves that are attached together at the base. Two or three lettuce varieties are good for both taste and texture. "Romaines, icebergs, butterheads, and oakleafs are all the same plant—lettuce," Susannah says. The simplest way to appreciate a tossed green salad is with a vinaigrette dressing. You might be amazed at how many different lettuces there are! It ranges in color from yellow to dark green but may also have reddish hues. Boston and Bibb lettuce are both examples of butterhead lettuce. Two or three lettuce varieties are good for both taste and texture. Both green and red types are high in folate, manganese, and vitamins A and K. Yet, red leaf lettuce is higher in antioxidants. You can learn about specific varieties with this Guide to Lettuce Varieties, but remember that the best lettuce is whole-head or cutting lettuces that are harvested and sold as-is with as little processing as possible.. It has a bit more body than many lettuces and mixes well with other vegetables. Recommended Varieties of Lettuce. Characteristics: A type of head lettuce, the leaves of Boston and bibb lettuces are soft. Top with a bit of honey mustard vinaigrette or a simple balsamic dressing. The mild flavor of fresh lettuce leaves are well complimented by fresh or dry herbs. Alternate names/varieties: Butter lettuce, Boston, bibb (limestone), Mignonette, Buttercrunch lettuce. The base of most green salads is lettuce. If you love eating salads, then you need to grow different lettuce varieties. Mâche, also known as corn salad or lamb's lettuce, comes in lovely little rosettes of dark green leaves attached in groups of 4 or 5 at the roots. People use lettuce leaves as a replacement for flatbread and spring roll wrappers. It pairs well with other vegetables and most salad dressings. Evans said there is also a need for evaluating lettuce varieties for fall, winter and spring greenhouse production. List of Lettuce Types. 13. When you think of types of lettuce, you might not realize that there are dozens […] Red leaf has a burgundy tint and mild flavor, similar to that of green leaf, while oak leaf is spicier and nuttier. Several types of lettuce are grown but the three most common types are romaine, leaf, and head lettuce. © 2005-2021 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. There are four main types of lettuce: crisphead (commonly known as iceberg), romaine, loose-leaf and butterhead. Romaine lettuce is most frequently used in Caesar salads and other salads. In general, larger leaves tend to be stronger tasting, but if pungency is a concern, be sure to taste the batch before using. ), and strengths. "Wild lettuce" commonly refers to the wild-growing relatives of common garden lettuce. ???? It’s easy to grow, dependable, and can be used in so many different ways. Arugula (a.k.a. The FDA has said romaine lettuce grown outside of a target area is not linked to the recent outbreak, and is working toward a program that would…, Packed with nutrients but low in calories, leafy greens are crucial to a wholesome diet. It is used mainly for salads. Larger leaves can be torn into bite-sized pieces when cleaning. Romaine’s long, crisp leaves are popular for Caesar salads. Here, we break down 13 common varieties and cultivars of lettuce and explore the best ways to use them. There are three types of leaf lettuce: red, green, and oak. Food poisoning can cause unpleasant symptoms ranging from nausea to vomiting. Frisée is best known as the base for a classic French bistro salad that includes bacon and a poached egg on top and is also delicious in a pear salad with blue cheese and walnuts. Growing lettuce in containers makes it easy to bring them inside to grow year round. When preparing it, peel the stalk to get rid of the tough outer layer. It has spiky dark green leaves that have a surprisingly delicate texture and delightfully peppery, even spicy kick. Red leaf lettuce is a colorful addition to your favorite salads and sandwiches. Store stem lettuce in the refrigerator in an airtight bag or container for 2–3 days. It stays crisp and doesn't bolt (flower) and turn bitter as easily as other lettuces, so is a favorite with summer gardeners who want to keep themselves in lettuce all season long. Top 9 Foods Most Likely to Cause Food Poisoning, Some Romaine Lettuce Is Safe to Eat: Here’s What to Know. Varieties of crisphead include: ‘Great Lakes’, the classic iceberg-type lettuce, ‘Ithaca’, which is glossy-green, frilled-leaf improved iceberg, and ‘Imperial’ with dark green heads. Mesclun refers to a mixture of different types of leaf lettuce. China alone produced about 13.5 million tons. Matures early. Growing lettuce in containers makes it easy to bring them inside to grow year round. 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