Often, people perceive lettuce as merely plain salad leaves without much variety. However, the world of lettuce is far broader and more enthralling than you may realize. This guide aims to introduce you to the myriad types of lettuce and inspire newfound appreciation for this versatile vegetable.
It’s essential to clarify that not all salad leaves classify as lettuce. While the lettuce family is vast, it does not encompass greens like arugula, chicories, or pea shoots, among others. This guide is specifically about true lettuces, all of which belong to the Asteraceae or daisy family.
Lettuce variations can be further categorized into several distinct types, each boasting a wealth of varieties that most may never encounter. Recognizing the differences amongst lettuces is crucial since they cannot all be treated or used in the same way.
