Lettuce
By: Anonymous

About

Lettuce is a green leafy vegetable found all over the world in many forms such as romaine, iceberg, etc with each one having a different amount of green depth and , therefore, vitamins. It is usually eaten cold and raw, in salads, sandwiches, hamburgers, tacos, and in many other dishes. There are four main types of lettuce: crisphead, butterhead, looseleaf, and cos all with hundreds of varieties in each.

Information
Translations: Salāti, Salotos, Salată verde, Zelena salata, Rau diếp, Sałata, Sla, लेटिष, Alface, Салат-латук, Μαρούλι, الخس, 상추, Salát, Selada, Litsugas, 生菜, Enciam, Solata, Šalát, Lattuga, חסה, Sallad, Зелена салата, レタス, Laitue, Salat, Salat, Bladsalat, Lechuga, Салат-латук, Salaatti, Маруля


Physical Description
There are four main types of lettuce: crisphead, butterhead, looseleaf, and cos all with hundreds of varieties in each. Crisphead lettuce are the crunchy ones and are densely packed. Butterhead lettuces have very soft leaves and are tender. They have a loose head of leaves. Looseleaf lettuces do not form a head of leaves, but are rather a loose bunch of leaves. Cos or Romaine lettuces have long upright leaves that form a cylindrical head. 
Colors: light green, dark green, red, and spotted


Tasting Notes
Flavors: Juicy. milky
Mouthfeel: Crisp and crunchy uncooked, Juicy and tender when cooked
Food complements: Cucumber, Feta cheese, Ricotta cheese, Lime juice, Beans, Tomatoes
Wine complements: Sauvignon blanc, Cabernet, Shiraz
Beverage complements: Soda, Iced tea, Lemonade
Substitutes: Endive, Artichoke, Chicory


Selecting and Buying
Choosing: Crisphead lettuce, which is more leafy and crunchier than the other varieties has a longer storage life. If stored in plastic, it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. All kinds of lettuces usually have rounded leaves up to 25 cm's in length and 15 cm's. in width. 
Buying: Fresh lettuce is available in all grocery stores, supermarkets and fresh vegetable markets. 


Preparation and Use
Various salads are made with lettuce as the main component. Lettuce is also served as a side dish in itself with grilled or barbecued meats. The juice of lettuce is very refreshing and cool. Boiled lettuce is also used in certain recipes. 
Cleaning: As lettuce is loose leaved and there are various layers of leaves, it should be washed thoroughly before use as salad. Each leaf should be washed well under running water.It should be dried with a clean towel.


Conserving and Storing
Certain varieties of lettuce have a storage life of upto 2 weeks, if stored in plastic in the refrigerator. The leaves often tend to get soggy if left uncovered in the refrigerator. The leaves loose their crispiness after a few days.