It is most often grown as a leaf vegetable, but sometimes for its stem and seeds. Lettuce is most often used for salads, although it is also seen in other kinds of food, such as soups, sandwiches and wraps; it can also be grilled.
Lettuce | |
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Species: | L. sativa |
Binomial name | |
Lactuca sativa L. | |
Synonyms |
Why is lettuce called lettuce?
The word “lettuce” is probably derived from the Old French laitues (plural of laitue), meaning “milky,” referring to this plant. The Latin root word lac (“milk”) appears in the Latin name lactuca. The ancient Greeks called lettuce tridax; the old Persians, kahn.
What is the most common lettuce?
Although romaine and iceberg are the most common types, many varieties exist — each with their own unique flavors and nutritional properties.
What is lettuce called in England?
Cos lettuce
In the UK it is commonly called Cos lettuce although in France and the USA it is called Romaine – there is no difference between the two other than the different names. The typical Cos lettuce has upright leaves which form a relatively tight head.
What is a group of lettuce called?
heads of lettuce — for multiple specimens of an entire (iceberg or Romaine-type) lettuce plant. leaves of lettuce or simply pieces of lettuce — for the leaves pulled off of the head.
Who first ate lettuce?
The first documentation of cultivation begins in Ancient Egypt over 6,000 years ago, but it may have been cultivated in the Middle East prior to this. Ancient Egyptian artwork, especially tomb paintings, depicts different varieties of lettuce. Ancient Greeks and Romans also cultivated lettuce.
What is lettuce called in India?
Also known as the Goose vegetable, Tropical lettuce, Ku mak, Yao mak, Ku Mak Cai, Daun Panjang, and Sawi Rana, Indian lettuce is a general descriptor used to describe several Asian plants with leaves that vary in shape and size.
Can dogs eat lettuce?
In general, yes. Lettuce of the romaine, arugula, and iceberg variety do not contain anything that can really harm your dog. After all, it is 90 percent water. It’s also a low-calorie snack that could be a good training treat for an overweight dog.
What is fancy lettuce called?
Arugula (a.k.a. rocket) has dark green leaves and a peppery flavor. The leaves can be long and spiked or shorter and more rounded, but they all share that dark green color. Wild-harvested arugula is the most pungent; look for it at farmers markets and local foods co-ops.
Can you eat lettuce raw?
If you eat contaminated leafy greens without cooking them first, such as in a salad or on a sandwich, you might get sick. CDC estimates that germs on produce eaten raw cause a large percentage of U.S. foodborne illnesses. Leafy greens and other vegetable row crops are a major source of E. coli O157 infections.
What is purple lettuce called?
Radicchio. Known for its distinctive purple color and pleasantly bitter flavor, radicchio is a member of the chicory family (technically a cousin of lettuce) and originally hails from Italy. While at its best in winter, radicchio is widely available all year long.
What does lettuce symbolize?
Lettuce was sacred to him because of the “straight vertical surge” of their growth, milky juice they exude which could be taken as a symbol of mothers milk or semen. Ancient Egyptians used the lettuce differently than those who would come later.
What is butter lettuce called in UK?
Butterhead Types of Lettuce for the UK:
All Year Round (The classic butterhead type lettuce, with good taste, colour and texture. It can be grown spring to late summer and earlier and later with protection.) Analena (Large, fresh, green heads and excellent flavour, these lettuces also have good bolt resistance.)
What is a ball of lettuce called?
Head lettuce, also known as iceberg lettuce, is a dense rosette of leaves that forms a tight ball about the size of a human head. Although head lettuce contains fewer nutrients than leafy romaine lettuce, it is a favorite staple vegetable for its texture and sweetness.
Is it correct to say a head of lettuce?
If you are talking about particular lettuce plants, then lettuce is countable. “I bought three lettuces from the supermarket”. You can, however, use “heads of lettuce”. Cabbages is the same (although simply “cabbages” is much more common than “heads of cabbage” in my experience), however, “celery”, I think, is not.
Is cabbage healthier than lettuce?
Meanwhile, green cabbage is higher in most nutrients — except vitamin A. Cabbage is also higher in minerals than iceberg lettuce. It contains more calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and manganese. It also contains more fiber, a nutrient essential to digestive health ( 3 ).
Is lettuce just a leaf?
lettuce, (Lactuca sativa), annual leaf vegetable of the aster family (Asteraceae). Most lettuce varieties are eaten fresh and are commonly served as the base of green salads. Lettuce is generally a rich source of vitamins K and A, though the nutritional quality varies, depending on the variety.
Why is lettuce healthy?
Lettuce is a source of vitamin K, which helps strengthen bones. Consuming adequate amounts of vitamin K can also reduce your risk of bone fracture. Water makes up over 95% of raw lettuce. As a result, eating lettuce hydrates the body.
Is lettuce man made?
Lettuce was originally farmed by the ancient Egyptians, who transformed it from a plant whose seeds were used to obtain oil into an important food crop raised for its succulent leaves and oil-rich seeds.
Is lettuce a herb?
Similarly, a leaf of lettuce is the green part of a plant, but when you make a salad, the lettuce is the main ingredient, so lettuce isn’t an herb either.
Which is the most expensive vegetable in India?
The price of Shatavari
Shatavari in India is around Rs 1200 – 1500 per kg. It is very easy to cook and is often served in roasted or steamed form. But it is very expensive and not easily available in our country.
Elvira Bowen is a food expert who has dedicated her life to understanding the science of cooking. She has worked in some of the world’s most prestigious kitchens, and has published several cookbooks that have become bestsellers. Elvira is known for her creative approach to cuisine, and her passion for teaching others about the culinary arts.