Why Lettuce Is The Most Frustrating Food.........Ever

Through the years, many of us have been taught to eat the right kinds of foods. Remember how it was when you were a kid? Do you remember how your mother told you that you couldn't have dessert until you have taken, at the very least, a few bites of "that green vegetable"?

I went through that like all of you did and would eventually learn to like things such as spinach, peas, broccoli, green beans, and turnip greens. And, of course, lettuce. Lettuce? Yes. Salad was a fixture in my mom's household (still is) and it was paramount to have that included in most dinners. What is it about lettuce that's appealing, besides the fact that it's rabbit food? I like to use it in salads, obviously, but I also like to sometimes use it in sandwiches. Nowadays, when we go shopping at a nearby supermarket, you have a choice of lettuce: a head in which you can take off whichever leaf or leaves of same which you desire, bags of prepared salad, or shredded lettuce. And wraps? I've never done them, but am willing to one day try it.

I'll have to admit this: I get frustrated with lettuce sometimes. It's good for you on the one hand, but on the other, it doesn't fill you up. The leaves are anything but flat, sometimes hard as cabbage (the lighter sections), other times a little more smooth (the darker, greener sections). Depending on the kind of cut one prefers when taken from a head of lettuce, it likely will take up a lot of real estate between the top slice of bread and the meat, tomato, and cheese. Shredded lettuce might seem convenient, but you just try putting a little on your sandwich sometime. You are guaranteed a mess as you leave a few "shredees" behind on your plate. Whichever condiment I use (ranch or French dressing, or any kind of mustard) will need to blend in with the lettuce, or else, same will not stay in place.

Lettuce, however, still does have a role to play in people's diets despite the ulcer it can create. It's good for you when you eat it, but preparing it can be a royal adventure. Trying to keep it on your burger can be a pain. I won't completely give up in any pursuit to include it in a future lunch or dinner. Besides, what would life be without a fresh, crisp salad?

Lettuce count the ways! (Sorry, couldn't resist!)