Lactuca sativa

Lactuca sativa, commonly known as lettuce, is an annual plant of the daisy family, Asteraceae. 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.

History

The lettuce plant has a long history of cultivation by humans. It was depicted in ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs and was likely part of their diet. It was then cultivated by the ancient Greeks and Romans, who gave it the name lactuca, from which the modern name derives.

Cultivation

Lettuce is a temperate annual or biennial plant most often grown for its leaves, but sometimes for its stem and seeds. It is a hardy plant that can be grown in a wide range of conditions, but it prefers a cool climate and plenty of water. The plant is typically direct seeded or transplanted into the garden in early spring, and harvested in the summer or fall.

Varieties

There are many varieties of Lactuca sativa, including Romaine, Iceberg, and Butterhead. Each variety has its own unique taste, texture, and nutritional profile.

Nutritional Value

Lettuce is a low calorie food and is a good source of vitamins such as Vitamin A and Vitamin K. It also provides some dietary fiber, iron, and potassium.

Culinary Uses

Lettuce is most commonly used in salads, but it can also be used in soups, sandwiches, and wraps. Some varieties, like Romaine, can even be grilled and served as a side dish.

See Also

• List of leaf vegetables
• Salad
• Vegetable gardening