Romaine is a type of lettuce with long, sturdy leaves and thick, crunchy ribs running down the center. Unlike the round, loosely packed leaves of iceberg lettuce, romaine grows in tall, upright heads with dark green outer leaves and lighter-colored leaves toward the center.

Romaine has a slightly bitter, fresh taste and stays crisp even when dressed with salad dressing, which makes it the traditional choice for Caesar salad. Chefs and home cooks prefer it because those thick ribs give it a satisfying crunch that softer lettuces can't match.

This lettuce variety was popular in Rome and the surrounding region, and people have been growing and eating it for over 2,000 years. Today, romaine hearts (the tender inner leaves) are sold separately because many people find them sweeter and more tender than the outer leaves.

If you've ever built a sandwich or taco and wanted lettuce that wouldn't turn soggy and limp, romaine delivers that sturdy texture. It's also nutritious, packed with vitamins and fiber that help keep your body healthy.