Although cabbage and lettuce are often confused as being the same thing, there is a very distinct difference between them. They each have their own unique characteristics which ultimately separate them from each other as vegetables. Cabbage has a number of identifying characteristics, including thick green or purple leaves which tend to form around either the head or the heart. Lettuce on the other hand is derived from a plant which is called Lactusa sativa and has leaves that are both crisp and edible, often used in making salads.

Lettuce is essentially what is known as a “composite plant” where as cabbage is derived from Brassica oleracea. While lettuce is most commonly used in making salads, cabbage is eaten as a vegetable alone. Another interesting fact about lettuce is that it is grown commercially all over the world and has to have soil that is light, moist, and sandy in order to grow properly. One of the reasons why lettuce is so popular for those on diets is because of its low calorie count and also its significant source of vitamin A as well as folic acid.

Cabbage on the other hand acts as a “goitrogen” which in turn blocks the organification process of thyroid cells in the body. This food is actually sometimes recommended by doctors for those who have problems with peptic ulcers as well as those with indigestion. Cabbage is used in preparing a wide variety of dishes all around the world and is therefore an extremely versatile vegetable. Although there may be a number of differences between lettuce and cabbage, both have significant nutritional value as well as being frequently used for a number of dishes. Both of these foods certainly have their own defining characteristics and are therefore different from each other in a number of ways.