Saveur

8. ROMAINE LETTUCE
With its crunchy, thick ribs and long, slender leaves, romaine lettuce is prized for its texture and mild, celery-like flavor. Romaine was originally called (and sometimes still is) cos, from the Arabic word for lettuce. Red romaine, paris white, lettuce balloon, and crisp mint (so named because of its serrated leaves, which resemble spearmint's) are varieties of romaine with similar attributes. Essential for a proper caesar, romaine's sturdy leaves welcome any creamy or pungent dressing.