Lettuce is the common name for a number of related plants that grow in “heads”.

Varieties of lettuce include iceberg, romaine, red leaf, and butterhead. Because their growing seasons peak at different times of year, there's always a plenitude of this salad staple.

All lettuce varieties are low in calories and most provide beta carotene, vitamin C and folate. Choose darker lettuce leaves to reap the most antioxidants.

Because lettuce is on the Environmental Working Group's list of the most chemically contaminated foods - the Dirty Dozen - be sure to always pick organic. 

Antioxidant Score* (ORAC)=1,423, 963, 438 and 2,380

*Butterhead lettuce (1,423), Romaine lettuce (963), Iceberg lettuce (438) and Red leaf lettuce (2,380)

Choose crisp headsd of lettuce that are free of blemishes. Refrigerate washed-and-dried greens airtight in a plastic bag for 3 to 5 days.