4 Most Famous Types and Varieties of Lettuce

Lettuces are large leafy vegetables arranged one on top of the other forming a cabbage-like lattice. They are of different sizes, shapes and green and red colors.

Its origin is doubtful, but it was known by ancient civilizations, especially by the Romans who are said to have distributed it throughout Europe.

Spain is the first country that produces lettuce on the continent and the third in the world, with 1 million 70 thousand tons per year.Some of the most important varieties are:

iceberg lettuce

It is a «great lakes lettuce» that has the shape of a compact sphere of green leaves, well known in Spain, where it is popular in the markets.

Its leaves are thin, elongated and attached to the main stem. Its name is due to its resistance to cold, and it is widely used as a garnish for all kinds of dishes thanks to its mild flavor.

The sowing time is from January to June; sowing mode is 30 cm between plants and 50 cm between rows, at a depth of 1 cm.Harvesting depends on the area where it is planted: in a Mediterranean climate, between June and August; in continental climate, it is delayed to September.

This variety of lettuce is the quintessential queen of American cuisine, where it is supported despite the criticism that revolves around it for the poor harvesting conditions that existed.Its cultivation in Spain dates back to 1970 in the Ebro delta.

However, iceberg lettuce has been giving way over time to romaine lettuce.

Romaine lettuce

Despite its name, it is considered an ideal Spanish lettuce as a base for salads, very rich in protein; It is high in amino acids, vitamin C and calcium.

Variety with the highest nutritional flavor, its stem is long and thick with long light green leaves, sweet taste, good for salads because it goes well with sweet and salty.

Its varieties are found both in summer and in autumn, but it can be grown all year round because it is resistant to all types of temperatures.Romaine lettuce has a great nutritional composition, which is why in Spain it is required in a variety of dishes due to its fresh and crunchy heart.

Batavian lettuce

It is one of the most consumed lettuces by the population in general, which in Spain is grown in the north where the climate is temperate and humid.

Its bud is loose, the light green leaves are curly and its structure is buttery, to the point that it is reminiscent of the type of French lettuce, which is why it is related to trocadero lettuce.

Varieties of Batavia lettuce are Venice, floral, boavista, vico and matinale; some of these varieties have dark red leaves on the outside, and they have the characteristic that they all have good nutrients.

This lettuce needs light and a pleasant climate to fully develop, but we find it in the markets throughout the year because it is grown in greenhouses.

trocadero lettuce

It is the favorite of the Anglo-Saxon market, it has smooth leaves and a buttery flavor and a tender texture with a slightly sweet flavor, which is why it is interesting in many recipes, which is where its great acceptance comes from.

It is very pretty and striking because it is rose-shaped and bicolor, since its leaves are green, but have reddish edges; in Spain it is known as colocha lettuce.

Trocadero lettuce has vitamins A and C and nutrients such as potassium, calcium and sodium.It should be planted from August to February in well-drained soils with good compost of organic matter to favor its rooting.

Other varieties of lettuce are lollo rosso, red chard, arugula, lamb’s lettuce, endive and radicchio.