A small, torpedo-shaped lettuce that crosses romaine's crisp ribs and sturdy leaves with the tenderness and mild sweetness of a butterhead. Also sold as Little Gem, it is a distinct cultivar from Bibb and Boston lettuce, which are pure butterhead varieties with no romaine in their lineage, even though the three are often grouped together in the produce aisle. Its firm, compact heads hold up better to heavier dressings than delicate butterheads and are commonly halved or quartered for Caesar salads, grilled as a side, or used whole as a wrap or scoop for fillings. The leaves have a mild, faintly sweet flavor with a light crunch.