subject: Types Of Lettuce [print this page] When growing a garden there are many different types of lettuce to choose from. Many people like to grow a variety to make good salad combinations or grow a specific type for its strong flavor. Others like to try the multitude of lettuce available at farmers markets, but it can be confusing to know which types of lettuce to try for certain dishes. Here is a look at the different types of lettuce and what they can be used for.
Arugula
Arugula has long, dark leaves that have a peppery flavor. The leaves of arugula tend to vary a lot in how strong their flavor is. A good rule of thumb to follow is the larger the leaves the stronger the flavor the leaves will have. Arugula goes great with tangy dressings. It also mixes well with other lettuce as an accent flavor or can be added to dishes for some additional flavor.
Butter Lettuce
Butter lettuce forms a compact head as it grows, though not quite as compact as iceberg lettuce. It has a tender texture and large, cupped leaves that work well for a salad with delicate dressings. Look for the varieties that are pale green or have a red tinge.
Mesclun
Mesclun provides a mix all of its own because it is composed of a variety of wild greens. For a more traditional taste, look for mixes that have mostly sweet lettuce with a small amount of spicy or bitter lettuce for variety. However, if you enjoy the spicier blends, go for a blend of your favorite, more flavorful lettuce.
Mizuna
Mizuna is an Asian variety of mustard greens. It has dark green leaves with a spicy, peppery flavor.
Lambs Lettuce
Lambs lettuce comes in rosettes of dark green leaves attached in groups of four or five at the roots. This lettuce has a lot of body and mixes well with other vegetables. Be careful when washing this form of lettuce because sand and grit tend to collect in the nub of the root that holds the rosettes together.
Oak Leaf Lettuce
This lettuce comes in a variety of colors, including gold and red, and comes in a loose leaf. This means the leaves are only connected at the base and dont grow compactly together like an iceberg lettuce does. This lettuce works well with a variety of dressings in a salad. Discard external leaves if they have become wilted.
