There are six main types of lettuce: cos, iceberg, butter, oak and coral. Each type shows a difference in colour, texture, shape and furthermore taste. Some lettuce types have more nutrition value than others. It is known, however, that lettuce is a good aid for digestion and is a great way to keep your liver healthy.
Some people think that the red types are bitter, but now days the oaks and butter lettuce are quite sweet. Lettuce is also one of the most common ingredients in a salad and can be enjoyed every day.

It is important when selecting a good lettuce to consider “the three C’s:”
- Condition: avoid slimy leaves or any browning around the edges.
- Colour: good rich colour usually means the lettuce contains more nutrients.
- Crispness: look for firm, crisp lettuce leaves as they have better taste and presentation.
Lettuce usually doesn’t last more than a few days and is best kept whole in a plastic container, stored in the crisper section of your refrigerator. To store loose leaves keep them in a tea-towel or a paper lined plastic bag in the crisper section of your refrigerator.

If your lettuce looks wilted and lifeless, dip it into warm water and then rinse under a cold tap to bring it back to life again.

Dress a salad only just before serving otherwise the vinegar may cause the lettuce to go soft and slimy.

Avoid dressing your lettuce with dressing – lightly drizzle your dressing so you can appreciate the different flavours and textures of all the different lettuce leaves.