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What Is the Difference between Lettuce and Cabbage?

Nya Bruce
Nya Bruce

Lettuce and cabbage are two vegetables that, depending on the type, may look very similar. Despite their appearance, however, they are not actually the same. The primary difference between these vegetables is that they are from two different plant families. While this is the most significant difference, there are also other dissimilarities between them. This includes their nutritional values and how they are eaten.

Cabbage is a leafy vegetable that is from the Brassicaceae family. There are different varieties of cabbage, however, the most common include the red, Savoy and green cabbage. Like cabbage, lettuce is also a leafy vegetable, however it is a part of the Asteraceae family. Although there are many different varieties of lettuce, there are four main groups or types that they fall under. These types are looseleaf, butterhead, romaine, and crisphead.

Cos or Romaine lettuce is often used as the base for Caesar salad.
Cos or Romaine lettuce is often used as the base for Caesar salad.

The difference between lettuce and cabbage can also be seen in the nutritional value of each. While both vegetables are considered nutritious, they are healthy in different ways. Most types of lettuce have less calories and more vitamin A and potassium than cabbage. Alternately, cabbage typically has more vitamin C and fiber than most types of lettuce.

Cabbage is a cruciferous vegetable, offering a wealth of vitamins and antioxidants.
Cabbage is a cruciferous vegetable, offering a wealth of vitamins and antioxidants.

Naturally, the nutritional value of each depends on the exact type of lettuce or cabbage that is being eaten. When it comes to romaine lettuce, one cup of shredded leaves has approximately eight calories, 4094 IU vitamin A, 11 mg of vitamin C, 116 mg of potassium and one gram of fiber. In comparison, one cup of chopped raw green cabbage has roughly 21 calories, two grams of fiber, 29 mg of vitamin C, 219 mg of potassium and 152 IU of vitamin A.

Greek salad with feta, cucumbers, and romaine lettuce.
Greek salad with feta, cucumbers, and romaine lettuce.

When it comes to preparing lettuce and cabbage, cabbage is typically the more versatile of the two vegetables. While both can be eaten in a variety of ways, lettuce is most often eaten raw in salads, on sandwiches or as a garnish for certain types of foods such as tacos. Cabbage is frequently eaten after it has been steamed, boiled, stir-fried, braised or sauteed. In addition to cooking, cabbage may also be eaten raw. Coleslaw is a popular side dish that is made using uncooked cabbage.

Cabbage is a leafy vegetable that is from the Brassicaceae family.
Cabbage is a leafy vegetable that is from the Brassicaceae family.

Another difference between lettuce and cabbage is in terms of smell. Most people do not associate lettuce with any type of odor, however many people think of cabbage as being a malodorous vegetable when cooked. The sulfur-like smell that can come from cabbage typically only occurs as a result of overcooking.

Discussion Comments

healthy4life

I think that bagged lettuce will go limp before bagged cabbage will. Cabbage just feels thicker and sturdier than lettuce.

Of course, lettuce heads will stay sturdy longer than the loose leaves. There's strength in numbers, and they band together to support each other!

feasting

@OeKc05 – Yes, cabbage smells very potent, especially when it's been sealed in a container for days. I like making coleslaw with raw cabbage, and after it has been inside the container in the fridge for awhile, it really punches your nose when you open it!

I mix the cabbage with mayonnaise, salt, pepper, vinegar, onions, and sugar. The vinegar and onions add to the odor, but they taste so very good!

Cabbage takes on the coleslaw flavor after it has been mixed with the other stuff and chilled for an hour or so. It's one of those things you might want to hold your nose while eating!

Kristee

I like eating raw purple cabbage in salads. It has more flavor than lettuce.

When I do use lettuce in a salad, I avoid the iceberg variety. It just has no flavor, and it is too thick for my taste.

I like using romaine lettuce. The leaves are big and green, and I can actually taste the flavor. They go great with salad dressing, too.

They make the salad more colorful. An iceberg lettuce salad just looks washed out and lackluster.

OeKc05

To me, lettuce smells fresh. It has the aroma of a garden that has just been watered by a spring shower.

Raw cabbage smells fine, but once it starts cooking, it smells awful! This is funny, because it actually tastes great. Its smell is misleading.

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    • Cos or Romaine lettuce is often used as the base for Caesar salad.
      By: elnariz
      Cos or Romaine lettuce is often used as the base for Caesar salad.
    • Cabbage is a cruciferous vegetable, offering a wealth of vitamins and antioxidants.
      By: Anticiclo
      Cabbage is a cruciferous vegetable, offering a wealth of vitamins and antioxidants.
    • Greek salad with feta, cucumbers, and romaine lettuce.
      By: Denis Tabler
      Greek salad with feta, cucumbers, and romaine lettuce.
    • Cabbage is a leafy vegetable that is from the Brassicaceae family.
      By: monticellllo
      Cabbage is a leafy vegetable that is from the Brassicaceae family.
    • Lettuce is typically the base of a green salad.
      By: Gennadiy Poznyakov
      Lettuce is typically the base of a green salad.