What is leaf lettuce?

Leaf lettuce is a type of lettuce that is characterized by its loose, individual leaves. Unlike head lettuce, which forms a compact head, leaf lettuce has leaves that are not tightly packed together. It has a delicate flavor and texture that makes it a popular choice for salads and other fresh dishes.

Leaf lettuce comes in a variety of shapes, colors, and sizes. Some common types of leaf lettuce include:

- Green leaf lettuce: This is the most common type of leaf lettuce and has bright green leaves with a mild, slightly bitter flavor.

- Red leaf lettuce: This variety has reddish-purple leaves with a slightly sweeter flavor than green leaf lettuce.

- Oakleaf lettuce: This type of leaf lettuce has deeply lobed, oak-shaped leaves with a mild, buttery flavor.

- Butterhead lettuce: Butterhead lettuce has soft, tender leaves with a slightly sweet, buttery flavor. It is often used in salads and wraps.

- Lollo rossa lettuce: This type of leaf lettuce has frilly, red-tinged leaves with a slightly bitter, peppery flavor.

Leaf lettuce is a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as potassium, folate, and iron. It is also a low-calorie food, making it a healthy choice for those looking to maintain a healthy weight.