You Should Start Cooking Lettuce. Here's Why

Lettuce is considered to have been around for a really long time. According to How Stuff Works, lettuce was first found approximately 4,000 years ago, and it is presumed that when our species first discovered lettuce, we didn't quite know what to do with it and probably ended up plucking it. Thankfully, our understanding of lettuce has evolved and it's now used in dishes like salads.

Two of the most popular types of lettuce are iceberg and romaine. Reddit users have often engaged in lengthy discussions about the value of lettuce and whether it adds any nutritional benefits to your diet. An irate Reddit user posted that many folks end up criticizing iceberg lettuce rather harshly. "I'm going to scream. Time and again, I hear people spout off the tired line, 'iceberg lettuce is completely devoid of nutrition' or some other version of the same idea," they wrote, adding that lettuce may not be as nutritious as its counterparts, but has no negative effects either.  Commentators were divided, but many conceded that lettuce can spruce up burgers and salads. Whether you love it or hate it, most people don't realize that when it comes to eating lettuce, cooking it can in some instances be better than eating the vegetable raw.

While it is common to add raw lettuce to several dishes, such as salads, it is actually not a bad idea to cook lettuce. As a piece by Delish explains, lettuce when cooked can taste even better. The types that often react best with heat are romaine lettuce and endive. When cooked, lettuce tends to develop a smoky flavor, something that's bound to make your dish tastier.

What can you do to enhance the flavors? Go down the sautéing route or opt for grilling your greens. According to Kitchn, if you are grilling lettuce, you should divide it in two halves before setting it up on a hot grill and adding it to your salad. You can even try melting a bit of cheese with the lettuce and you'll be surprised by the hearty side dish you come up with. Or just add lettuce to a pan and stir-fry your greens for a warm salad. Your options are endless.