Difference Between Cabbage and Lettuce
Despite being from the same plant family, Brassicaceae (or Cruciferae) there are a lot differences between cabbage and lettuce. The main difference between cabbage and lettuce is that cabbage is a compact, dense head formed by tightly overlapping leaves. The leaves are thick and crunchy. In contrast, lettuce has a looser arrangement of leaves that are tender and more delicate. These leaves do not form a tightly compacted head like cabbage.
Another difference between cabbage and lettuce is that cabbage is higher in vitamins and minerals like vitamin C, vitamin K, and folate compared to iceberg lettuce.
Table of Content
- Difference Between Cabbage and Lettuce
- What is Cabbage?
- What is Lettuce?
- Key Differences Between Cabbage and Lettuce
Difference Between Cabbage and Lettuce
For better clarity, here’s the difference between these two in a tabular format:
| Benchmark | Cabbage | Lettuce |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | A compact, dense head formed by tightly overlapping leaves | A plant with a looser arrangement of tender, delicate leaves |
| Plant Structure | Forms a tightly compacted head | Does not form a tightly compacted head |
| Leaf Texture | Leaves are thick and crunchy | Leaves are tender and delicate |
| Flavor | Robust, slightly bitter, and peppery flavor when raw | Mild, sweet, and delicate flavor |
| Common Varieties | Green, red, savoy, napa | Iceberg, romaine, leaf, butter, arugula |
| Nutrient Content | Higher in vitamins C, K, and folate | Generally lower in certain vitamins and minerals |
| Culinary Uses | Often cooked or fermented (sauerkraut), can be eaten raw | Commonly consumed raw in salads or on sandwiches |
| Plant Family | Brassicaceae (Cruciferae) | Brassicaceae (Cruciferae) |
What is Cabbage?
Cabbage is a compact, dense head formed by tightly overlapping leaves. The leaves are thick and crunchy, with a robust, slightly bitter, and peppery flavor when raw. Common varieties include green, red, savoy, and napa cabbage.
What is Lettuce?
Lettuce is a plant with a looser arrangement of tender, delicate leaves that do not form a tightly compacted head. The leaves have a mild, sweet, and delicate flavor. Common varieties include iceberg, romaine, leaf, butter, and arugula.
Key Difference Between Cabbage and Lettuce
Here are the key differences between these two:
- Cabbage forms a tightly compacted head of overlapping leaves, whereas lettuce has a loose arrangement of leaves that do not form a compacted head.
- Cabbage leaves are thick and crunchy, but lettuce leaves are tender and delicate.
- Lettuce has a mild, sweet, and delicate flavor. On the other hand, cabbage has a strong, slightly bitter, and peppery flavor when raw.
- Lettuce is commonly consumed raw in salads or on sandwiches. In contrast, cabbage is often cooked or fermented (sauerkraut), and can be eaten raw.
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