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The family Asteraceae -

Lettuce is from a vibrant family of plants called Asteraceae. Most members of this plant group are flowers, many of which can be found all over the world.

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The family Asteraceae -

It might be hard to believe, but lettuce is in the same family as daisies, cornflowers, and dahlias. Asteraceae is one of, if not the, largest plant families in the world, boasting over 32,000 distinct species.

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What's in lettuce? -

Lettuce is a very watery plant, but it's also filled with nutrients. Including lettuce in your diet is a great way to boost your levels of vitamins A, K, and C.

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The god's leaf -

Lettuce has been cultivated for thousands of years, and was once known as more than just a great salad base. In ancient Egypt, lettuce was the primary sacrifice given to Min, a god of fertility, harvests, and masculinity.

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Egyptian fertility -

Since lettuce was thought of as a favorite of one of Egypt's main fertility deities, lettuce itself became closely associated with fertility in ancient Egyptian culture.

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Egyptian fertility -

Lettuce was used as an aphrodisiac and bedroom performance enhancer by Egyptians of all classes. The leafy green was coveted by anyone who wished for a healthy and active private life.

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The works of Columella -

Columella was one of the most important scholars of agriculture in ancient Rome. His 12-volume opus De re rustica, mentions lettuce numerous times. Its cultivation, uses, and benefits are all described in great detail, leading modern experts to believe that lettuce was a cultural and nutritional staple in the ancient Roman Empire.

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Caesar's statue -

The most famous of all Roman emperors, Julius Caesar, was particularly fond of lettuce. So fond, in fact, that he had a statue erected in the leafy green's honor. Caesar believed that his excessive lettuce intake had helped save his life when he was sick with a serious and unknown illness.

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Lettuce and Domitian -

Another Roman emperor, Domitian, also made frequent use of lettuce. Known for his despotism and irrationality, it should come as no great surprise that Domitian commonly forced his dinner guests to eat lettuce before the main course. In ancient Rome, it was believed that lettuce had strong sedative effects. Domitian forced lettuce upon his patrons early on so that they would have to fight tiredness during their meals.

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Lettuce and Columbus -

Lettuce wasn't known in the Americas until it was brought to the New World by Christopher Columbus. The notorious explorer brought lettuce seeds to the Americas on his second trans-Atlantic voyage in 1494.

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Lettuce of all sorts -

Lettuce comes in all colors, shapes, and sizes. Romaine lettuce, iceberg lettuce, green leaf, and butterhead all have their own unique tastes and characteristics.

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Heads of lettuce and eyes for seeing -

Eating lettuce can greatly contribute to your eyesight. Most types of lettuce contain zeaxanthin, a substance that promotes eye health and eyesight.

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Lettuce at bedtime -

Emperor Domitian might have been crazy, but he was right about lettuce's sedative effects. Lettuce contains lactucarium, a substance that looks and acts very similarly to the sedative substances in opium.

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The enemies of lettuce -

Anyone who's had a fresh head of lettuce turn rotten in just a couple of days knows that there are certain other veggies that should be kept away. Fruits and veggies that produce ethylene, such as apples and bananas, can make lettuce go bad in no time if kept in the same vicinity.

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Lettuce in the limelight -

Lettuce can be taken for granted in cuisines around the world; it's always there! In fact, lettuce is the second most popular produce product in all of the United States, beating out corn and standing second only to potatoes.

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How much lettuce in a year? -

The average American eats around 30 pounds (13 kg) of lettuce each year. It might seem hard to believe at first, but little bits on burgers, in burritos, and, of course, salads, add up to quite a few full heads of lettuce.

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Where is lettuce grown? -

Lettuce grows best in mild climates. In the United States, more than 90% of the nation's lettuce supply is grown in only two states.

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California, the lettuce state -

For most of the year, that state is California, where 70% of the nation's lettuce is grown. From November to March, however, 90% of the country's lettuce is grown in Arizona.

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China's lettuce monopoly -

For the rest of the world outside of the United States, the majority of lettuce is grown in China. Annually, China's lettuce operations alone account for more than half of all the lettuce in the world.

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Always fresh, never frozen -

Because lettuce has such a high water content, it's not a good idea to freeze it; it doesn't thaw well. Incredibly, lettuce is actually 95% water. This means it's not a great thing to try to pickle, dry, can, or preserve in any way.

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The darker the leaf, the sweeter the juice -

The leaves of a head of lettuce can vary in color from green to deep purple. The darker the leaf, the more flavor and nutrients are present.

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Lettuce for all occasions -

Lettuce gets a bad rap as a bland and boring piece of produce. With a little creativity, however, lettuce can be just as exciting as any spicy pepper or fascinating herb.

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In a soup -

Lettuce and soup are a match made in heaven. Adding a head of lettuce to a stewing soup itself can add vibrant color and a deliciously complex flavor.

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Juice it! -

Health nuts have been known to add lettuce to their morning juices and smoothies for a boost of vitamins and an inviting green color.

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Lovely lettuce wraps -

Lettuce wraps are one of the healthiest and most dynamic meals out there. Put some fresh veggies, chicken, or whatever you want into a lettuce leaf. Wrap it up and you've got yourself lunch fit for royalty.

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Grilled -

Grilling heads of lettuce, especially Romaine lettuce, is a great way to extract lettuce flavors in their truest, strongest state. A grilled head of lettuce makes a perfect base for all sorts of savory salads.

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Perfectly crunchy spring rolls -

Spring and summer rolls are always in need of something crunchy to pull the whole experience together. Putting chopped lettuce on top of fresh shrimp, tomatoes, and glass noodles will perfectly balance out the dimensions of this fantastic summer treat.

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Lettuce sauce? -

Lettuce has a lot more flavor than most people give it credit for. Especially when heated, lettuce flavors can add dimensions to all sorts of soups and sauces. Add some lettuce to your next batch of pesto or pasta sauce and you'll never go back.

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The classic Caesar salad -

Sometimes, there's nothing as satisfying as a perfectly prepared Caesar salad. Nothing beats a crisp bed of iceberg lettuce topped with croutons and grilled chicken.

Source: (The Kitchn) (One Hundred Dollars a Month)

See also: The most realistic healthy swaps for your junk food cravings

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