In today's polarized world, there are many intense and passionate opinions circulating in every subset of our lives. On social media, in class discussions, and in everyday conversation, you are almost guaranteed to hear at least one impassioned belief regarding political affairs, pop culture, or about life in general. The other day, I realized that I have very strong opinions on types of lettuce. There are so many different kinds, yet some are drastically superior to others in terms of taste, nutritional value, and overall eating experience. Okay you salad eating fans, get ready for the most ~official~ ranking of everyone's favorite green treat. 1 is the best, and 7 is the worst.
1. Arugula
Arugula is BY FAR HANDS DOWN the best lettuce on the planet. Not only does it taste absolutely amazing, it is packed with protein, fiber, Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Vitamin K, Calcium, Iron, the list goes on. The individual pieces are small, so you won't have any trouble fitting it into your mouth when you want to take a big, beautiful bite. Other kinds of lettuce are so large that they are actually on your cheeks when you move your fork to your mouth, but not arugula. It is certainly not called a Superfood for nothing.
2. Spinach
Where Arugula is the all-powerful God of the lettuces, spinach, our second-best lettuce, is a king. It is very flavorful, always is a great shade of green, and its pieces aren't too large either. Spinach is a very versatile lettuce, as it goes well with many different kinds of dressings (except maybe ranch and creamy Caesar). Spinach is always a safe bet when ordering a salad; it is a true people pleaser.
3. Red Leaf Lettuce
Red Leaf is falls in a pretty good place on this lettuce ranking list. It is always a good time when you see red leaf in your bowl of mixed greens. Like Arugula, this lettuce contains tons of Vitamin C, A, and K.
4. Kale
Though this isn't one of my favorites, I still like it and have a lot of respect for Kale and for Kale lovers. I find the texture to be a little too hard and sharp, but I whenever I eat it I feel as though I am an accomplished woman. Kale is perfect to make chips out of or put in a smoothie as it is a little difficult to eat straight. It is not called a Superfood, though WebMD says that in just 33 calories of Kale, there are nearly 3 grams of protein and 2.5 grams of fiber. Good stuff.
5. Butterhead
Not much to say about Butterhead, other than that it's average and it looks pretty. Proof that looks aren't everything, folks.
6. Romaine
As we get to the end of this list, we get to the lettuce that I am impassioned about-in a negative way. Romaine is way to watery, and has minimal flavor, and there is not much nutritional value at all.
7. Iceberg
Iceberg lettuce is at the bottom of the totem pole. It is nothing but water, it is way too white, it wilts way too easily, and never satisfies your salad needs. The only time iceberg lettuce is ever good is when it is a wedge salad.
There it is, friends. The list of all lists, the ranking of all rankings. Lettuce us all agree that salad greens are wonderful, but some are certainly more wonderful than others.
