What are the varieties of lettuce? A detailed introduction to common varieties

Lettuce, also known as leaf lettuce, originated in Europe. In recent years, with the rise in popularity of hot pot, the cultivation area of lettuce has continued to expand and it has entered countless households. What varieties of lettuce are there?

Lettuce is divided into three types: head lettuce, curly-leaf lettuce and upright lettuce. Among them, head lettuce resembles head cabbage in appearance, with the top leaves forming a head that is round or oblate-round in shape. The edible part is the head, which has a fresh and tender texture. Based on differences in leaf texture, it is further divided into crisp-leaf head lettuce and soft-leaf head lettuce.

Crisp-leaf head lettuce has relatively thick leaves, and the head is large and firm, with a longer growing period and high yield. The leaves are crisp and tender with good flavor. It is the most popular with consumers and is currently the most widely planted variety. It is not prone to bolting, and seed collection is difficult.

Soft-leaf head lettuce, also called soft-leaf-type head lettuce, has thin leaves and a small head, with a short growing period but low yield. The leaves have a soft texture and taste slightly bitter. Both bolting and seed collection are easy.

Curly-leaf lettuce, also known as loose-leaf lettuce, is mainly characterized by not forming a head. The basal leaves are long ovate, clustering like flowers, with long petioles, wavy and notched leaf margins, and wrinkled leaf surfaces. Leaf colors include green, yellow-green, light purplish-red, dark purple and many others. At present, due to sales issues, its cultivation area is not as large as that of head lettuce.

Upright lettuce, also known as long-leaf lettuce, like curly-leaf lettuce does not form a head, but the heart leaves roll into a cylindrical shape. The leaves are narrow and long, growing upright, with entire or serrated margins; the leaves are thick and the flesh is relatively coarse, with a slightly bitter taste. Domestic planting volume is small, and it is only supplied to hotels and restaurants.

Lettuce is sweet and cool in nature and has relatively high nutritional value. In medicinal use, it can help clear heat and refresh the mind, relieve pain and induce sleep, among other effects. Because of its unique flavor and mouthfeel, it is very popular with consumers, and many residents in the north eat lettuce directly raw.

The above is some little knowledge about lettuce. Lettuce's unique mouthfeel and flavor can be called outstanding when eating hot pot. Friends who have never eaten lettuce can also buy lettuce themselves and eat it at home; the taste is excellent.