LETTUCE

Geek talk: Lactuca Sativa But we talk: Lettuce Description: Lettuce was first cultivated by the ancient Egyptians. At first, lettuce was used to produce oils from its seeds, however, after a few centuries the Egyptians grew romaine lettuce for its leaves. This new lettuce type had a shorter stem, broader leaves, and a more appealing taste, which transformed lettuce into a food for consumption. Types of lettuce include iceberg, which has a “large, firm head”; Batavia, which is “smaller and softer” than the iceberg lettuce; romaine, which has long leaves with a “loaf-shaped head” and is the most popular in the US; and butterhead, which has small, soft, oily leaves. Kitchen Pharmacy: Lettuce contains the latucarium. Latucarium is a sedative, which helps relax the nerves without hampering digestion3. Lettuce is also a great source of potassium, iron, calcium, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, and anthocyanin. Nutrition: 1 Cup of Iceberg Lettuce Contains

Origin: Romania