Description

🥬 Lettuce is more than just a salad staple—it’s a leafy legend with a fascinating backstory and a whole lineup of varieties! Here’s a quick taste:

🌿 What Is Lettuce?

• Scientific name: Lactuca sativa
• Family: Asteraceae (same as sunflowers!)
• Origin: Ancient Egypt, where it was first cultivated for its seeds and later for its leaves

🧬 Types of Lettuce

• Iceberg: Crisp and pale, often used in burgers and wedge salads
• Romaine: Long leaves with a firm rib—classic for Caesar salads
• Butterhead: Soft, tender leaves with a buttery texture (includes Bibb and Boston)
• Leaf Lettuce: Loose leaves, often red or green, great for wraps and sandwiches
• Celtuce: Grown for its thick stem, popular in Asian cuisine

💪 Health Benefits

• Hydration: Over 95% water—hello, refreshment!
• Vitamin K: Supports bone health
• Vitamin A: Good for vision and immune function
• Low in calories: Great for light meals and snacks