Lettuce is a cool, crispy leaf that many people enjoy in salads and sandwiches. There are many different types of lettuce, each with its own unique shape, color, and taste. Learning about these types can be fun and can also help you choose which one you might like to try next. Let’s take a closer look at some popular types of lettuce.
Types of Lettuce
Here are 27 different types of lettuce:
- Arugula
- Belgian endive
- Boston bibb
- Butter
- Cabbage
- Coral lettuce
- Cress
- Dandelion green
- Endive
- Escarole
- Frisée
- Green leaf
- Iceberg
- Kale
- Little gem
- Looseleaf
- Mâche
- Mesclun
- Nappa cabbage
- Oakleaf
- Radicchio
- Rainbow chart
- Red leaf
- Romaine
- Spinach
- Treviso
- Watercress
Different Lettuce Names With Benefits
Arugula
Arugula is a spicy little leaf that adds a kick to your salad. It’s packed with vitamins and helps keep your bones strong.
- Spicy, peppery flavor
- Rich in Vitamin K and calcium
- Good for bone health
Belgian Endive
Belgian endive is a crunchy, slightly bitter leaf. It’s great for salads and helps with digestion.
- Crunchy texture, bitter taste
- High in fiber, aids digestion
- Low in calories, good for weight management
Boston Bibb
Boston bibb is a soft, buttery lettuce. It’s tender and perfect for wraps because it doesn’t tear easily.
- Soft, buttery leaves
- Gentle on the stomach, easy to digest
- High in Vitamin A, good for your eyes
Butter
Butter lettuce has large, soft leaves that feel like silk. It’s mild and sweet, making it a favorite for many.
- Soft, silky leaves, mild flavor
- Contains folate and iron
- Supports healthy pregnancy and blood health
Cabbage
Cabbage is a sturdy leaf that’s great cooked or raw. It’s full of vitamins and can help fight inflammation.
- Crunchy and slightly peppery
- Rich in Vitamin C and K, boosts immune system
- Anti-inflammatory properties
Coral Lettuce
Coral lettuce looks like ocean coral with its wavy edges. It’s crispy and adds beauty to any dish.
- Crispy texture, visually appealing
- High in antioxidants, fights free radicals
- Good source of Vitamin A, enhances skin health
Cress
Cress is a tiny, peppery green. It’s often used as a garnish and is bursting with nutrients.
- Small, peppery leaves
- High in Vitamin C, boosts immunity
- Contains calcium, good for bone health
Dandelion Green
Dandelion green is a bit bitter but very nutritious. It’s known to support liver health.
- Bitter taste, tender texture
- Detoxifies the liver, promotes digestion
- Rich in calcium and iron
Endive
Endive has a crunchy bite and a nutty flavor. It’s great for salads and helps control blood sugar.
- Crunchy texture, nutty flavor
- High in fiber, good for blood sugar control
- Low in calories, aids weight loss
Escarole
Escarole is a leafy green with a slightly bitter taste. It’s hearty and goes well in soups and stews.
- Broad, slightly bitter leaves
- Rich in vitamins A and K
- Supports eye health and blood clotting
Frisée
Frisée is a curly, frizzy lettuce with a mildly bitter taste. It adds texture and volume to salads.
- Curly, frizzy leaves, mild bitterness
- High in folic acid, promotes cell health
- Contains potassium, good for heart health
Green Leaf
Green leaf lettuce is vibrant and slightly sweet. It’s a classic choice for salads and sandwiches.
- Bright green, crisp leaves
- Rich in Vitamin A and K
- Supports skin and bone health
Iceberg
Iceberg lettuce is crunchy and refreshing. It’s mostly water, making it great for hydration.
- Crunchy texture, mild flavor
- High water content, hydrates the body
- Contains fiber, aids in digestion
Kale
Kale is a superfood, known for its dense nutrients. It’s great cooked or in smoothies.
- Dark, curly leaves, earthy taste
- Packed with vitamins A, C, and K
- Supports heart health and reduces inflammation
Little Gem
Little gem is like a mini romaine, sweet and crunchy. It’s perfect for individual salads.
- Small, compact, sweet leaves
- High in Vitamin A, good for eyesight
- Contains potassium, beneficial for heart health
Looseleaf
Looseleaf lettuce has loose, tender leaves. It’s easy to grow and adds variety to meals.
- Soft, tender leaves, mild taste
- Rich in antioxidants
- Supports immune system health
Mâche
Mâche, or lamb’s lettuce, is small and nutty. It’s a gourmet favorite, rich in Omega-3.
- Small, round leaves, nutty flavor
- High in Omega-3 fatty acids
- Good for heart and brain health
Mesclun
Mesclun is a mix of young salad greens. It offers a variety of flavors and nutrients in one.
- Mix of young, tender leaves
- Diverse flavors and textures
- Provides a wide range of nutrients
Nappa Cabbage
Nappa cabbage is mild and sweet. It’s great in salads and Asian dishes, and supports gut health.
- Mild, sweet taste, soft texture
- High in Vitamin C and folate
- Promotes digestive health
Oakleaf
Oakleaf lettuce has leaves that resemble oak leaves. It’s soft and sweet, adding elegance to salads.
- Soft, lobed leaves, sweet flavor
- High in antioxidants, combats free radicals
- Good source of fiber, aids in digestion
Radicchio
Radicchio is a purple lettuce with a bitter and spicy taste. It adds color and zest to dishes.
- Purple leaves, bitter taste
- Rich in antioxidants, anti-inflammatory
- Good for liver health and digestion
Rainbow Chard
Rainbow chard has colorful stems and is nutrient-dense. It’s beautiful and good for blood health.
- Colorful stems, earthy taste
- High in iron and Vitamin K
- Supports blood health and bone strength
Red Leaf
Red leaf lettuce is tender and mild, with a hint of nuttiness. It’s as nutritious as it is decorative.
- Reddish leaves, tender texture
- Rich in antioxidants and Vitamin A
- Enhances eye and skin health
Romaine
Romaine lettuce is crunchy and slightly bitter. It’s a classic in Caesar salads and rich in folate.
- Tall, sturdy leaves, mild bitterness
- High in folate, supports cell health
- Contains fiber, good for digestion
Spinach
Spinach isn’t technically lettuce, but it’s a leafy green powerhouse. It’s versatile and packed with iron.
- Dark, tender leaves, mild flavor
- Rich in iron and calcium
- Supports muscle and bone health
Treviso
Treviso resembles radicchio but is elongated and sweeter. It’s great grilled or raw in salads.
- Elongated, purple leaves, sweet taste
- Rich in vitamins and minerals
- Supports cardiovascular health
Watercress
Watercress is a peppery green, small but mighty. It’s known to fight certain types of cancer.
- Small, peppery leaves
- High in Vitamin C and antioxidants
- Cancer-fighting properties
