What is Lettuce?
{{speciesbox | name = Lettuce | image = Iceberg lettuce in SB.jpg | image_caption = An iceberg lettuce field in California | genus = Lactuca | species = sativa | authority = [[Carl Linnaeus|L.]] | synonyms = {{plainlist | * ''[[Lactuca scariola]]'' var. ''sativa'' <small>(Moris)</small> * ''L.&nbsp;scariola'' var. ''integrata'' <small>([[Jean Charles Marie Grenier|Gren.]] and [[Dominique Alexandre Godron|Godr.]])</small> * ''L.&nbsp;scariola'' var. ''integrifolia'' <small>([[Günther Beck von Mannagetta und Lerchenau|G.Beck]])</small> }} | synonyms_ref = }} [[Image:Romaine lettuce.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Loose leaf Romaine lettuce]] '''Lettuce''' is a [[vegetable]] as well as an [[annual plant]]. Both the [[Plant stem|stems]] and the [[leaf|leaves]] can be eaten. It is of the [[Asteraceae]] family. ==Growing lettuce== Lettuce can be grown in many parts of the world, including [[Europe]], [[Asia]], and [[North America]], in [[temperate]] [[climate]]s. It will turn more bitter tasting in hot weather. You can grow lettuce during [[winter]] in a [[greenhouse]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.selfsufficientish.com/lettuce.htm|title=Lettuce - Lactuca Sativa - Daisy Family|website=www.selfsufficientish.com}}</ref> ==Eating lettuce== In some countries, it is often eaten [[cold]] and [[raw]], in [[salad]]s, [[hamburger]]s, [[taco]]s, [[sandwich|sandwiche]]s, and many other dishes. In some places, including [[China]], lettuce is eaten [[cook]]ed. Lettuce contains very little energy or nutrients. ==Kinds of lettuce== Most lettuce leaves are [[green]], but some are [[red]]. Most lettuce leaves [[taste]] bitter. Some kinds of lettuce grow in a [[head]] shape like [[cabbage]], while the leaves of some kinds grow more loosely. The five main [[Cultivar|cultivars]] are: green leaf, red leaf, cos, crisphead, and stem lettuce.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://extension.illinois.edu/veggies/lettuce.cfm|title=Lettuce - Vegetable Directory - Watch Your Garden Grow - University of Illinois Extension|website=extension.illinois.edu}}</re