Find out the key differences between these two leafy greens.
Plus, learn when to use romaine lettuce and when to use iceberg lettuce.
Lettuce comes in many shapes, sizes and colors.
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What’s the Difference Between Iceberg Lettuce and Romaine Lettuce?
Iceberg lettuce is a crisphead lettuce.
It grows in a round head whose leaves are tightly clasped together.
When unfurled, the leaves feature a ruffle-like edge on the top.
Iceberg lettuce is typically a pale green, and is lighter in color than romaine lettuce.
Meanwhile, romaine lettuce is in a category of its own called romaine, or cos, lettuce.
It grows in an elongated head whose leaves are more loosely attached.
The leaves themselves are textured, with loose waves.
Romaine lettuce is often a dark green, but certain varieties can also feature dark reddish-purple leaves.
Plus, if you’re looking to manage your weight, iceberg lettuce is low in calories.
Both are mild in flavor and have a cool, crunchy texture.
However, there are some cases where you may prefer to use one over the other.
Iceberg lettuce leaves are more tender than romaine lettuce.
Add shredded lettuce to recipes likeBeefless Vegan TacosorVegetarian Taco Salad.
On the other hand, romaine lettuce leaves are sturdier, so they withstand heat better than iceberg lettuce.
you’re free to grill romaine lettuce heads for a warm salad.
The hearty leaves are also a great choice for filling, like in theseChicken Caesar Lettuce Cups.
Although romaine lettuce has a slight nutritional advantage over iceberg lettuce, both are healthy vegetables.
