lettuce

A leafy herbaceous plant (*Lactuca sativa*), primarily cultivated for its crisp, hydrating leaves. Iceberg and romaine varieties provide high water content and structural crunch that resists wilting under heavy dressings, while butterhead and loose-leaf types offer delicate, tender textures. Although typically consumed raw in salads or as a cooling counterpoint in sandwiches, hearty varieties like romaine can be lightly grilled or braised to develop surprising smoky depth.