What counts as lettuce?

I'm realizing that I'm not sure what falls within the scope of lettuce for this week's contest. Are greens like arugula, spinach, and watercress fair game? How about chicories like radicchio and endive? My googling hasn't helped because some sources use lettuce as a broad catch-all, others define it more narrowly. Thanks for clarifying!

EmilyC
  • Posted by: EmilyC
  • September 5, 2012
  • 4700 views
  • 7 Comments

7 Comments

susan G. September 6, 2012
Seconding HLA -- often the contest parameters need clarification! Sort of a PS?
 
Nozlee S. September 6, 2012
We're actually very limited in space in the contest header, but I will see what I can do! I'm so glad this was helpful.
 
hardlikearmour September 6, 2012
Thank you for this! I too was wondering what exactly was included.
 
hardlikearmour September 6, 2012
One more note. Would it be possible to add the info at the contest header? Not everyone looks at the hotline.
 
EmilyC September 6, 2012
This is extremely helpful! Thank you!
 
Nozlee S. September 6, 2012
Hey EmilyC! That's a great question, because what we broadly define as "lettuces" do fall under very different plant families. Here's what we're considering lettuces for this contest:

1. ALL of the plant family Asteraceae: any leaf, romaine, butter, dandelion, chicory, or iceberg lettuce.
2. SOME of the plant family Amaranthaceae: spinach, amaranth (but not chard)
3. SOME of the plant family Brassicaceae: watercress, radish greens, turnip greens, arugula (but not cabbage or kale)

I hope this is helpful!
 
BoulderGalinTokyo September 8, 2012
Thank you for clarifying. Could you do further details on #3? mustard greens in or out?
 
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