What is small romaine lettuce called? It's Little Gem

December 21, 2025 •

3 min read

According to agricultural data, the popularity of smaller, sweeter lettuce varieties has risen significantly in recent years. If you've been wondering what is small romaine lettuce called, the answer is most commonly Little Gem lettuce, though it has several other delightful nicknames.

Quick Summary

Small romaine lettuce is most often called Little Gem lettuce, a diminutive, sweeter variety with a tender yet crisp texture. Also known as sucrine or baby cos, this lettuce is perfect for salads and wraps.

Key Points

Name Clarification: Small romaine is most accurately called Little Gem lettuce, a distinct, naturally compact variety.
Hybrid Qualities: Little Gem is often considered a hybrid, combining the crisp crunch of romaine with the sweeter, more tender leaves of a butterhead lettuce.
Regional Naming: It is also known as Sucrine (French for "sugar") or Baby Cos in some regions, reflecting its sweetness and heritage.
Culinary Versatility: Little Gem is perfect for salads, wraps, and even grilling due to its ideal portion size and sturdy leaves.
Sweet, Non-Bitter Taste: Unlike some mature romaine, Little Gem has a naturally sweet flavor and avoids the bitterness that can develop with age.
Easy to Grow: For gardeners, it's a fast-maturing, space-efficient lettuce that thrives in cooler weather.

Understanding the Distinct Difference: Little Gem vs. Baby Romaine

While "baby romaine" is a common and understandable term, it's a bit of a misnomer. Little Gem lettuce is not simply a young romaine harvested early; it's a distinct, fully-grown variety that is naturally smaller. This specialty lettuce is often described as a cross between crisp romaine and soft, sweet butterhead lettuce, inheriting the best qualities of both. Its compact, elongated head, about five inches long, makes it perfectly portioned for individual salads.

Characteristics of Little Gem Lettuce

Little Gem is prized for a specific combination of attributes that set it apart:

Flavor: It offers a sweet, tender taste that is less bitter than mature romaine. This makes it a great entry point for those who find the full-sized version too sharp or earthy.
Texture: The leaves provide a satisfying, juicy crunch, particularly in the heart, combined with a delicate tenderness on the outer leaves.
Size: Its compact size is its defining feature, making it a favorite for gourmet salads where portion control is key.
Appearance: Little Gem has vibrant green outer leaves that blanch to a pale yellow or creamy white heart.

Alternate Names and Regional Variations

It's worth noting that the name can vary by region. In addition to Little Gem and baby romaine, you might see this lettuce sold under other names:

Sucrine: French for “sugar,” this name refers to its naturally sweet flavor.
Cos: This is the British English term for romaine lettuce, and the small version is often called "baby cos".
Sugar Cos: Another name that highlights the lettuce's sweet profile.

Culinary Applications and Growing Tips

Little Gem's versatility makes it a favorite among chefs and home cooks alike. Its sturdy, boat-shaped leaves are perfect for holding ingredients, and the entire head can be utilized with minimal effort.

Culinary Uses for Little Gem:

Simple Salads: Halve the heads and drizzle with a light vinaigrette for a simple, elegant starter.
Grilled Lettuce: The sturdy leaves can withstand heat, making it excellent for grilling or charring to bring out its sweetness.
Wraps and Tacos: Use the individual leaves as small, edible cups for fillings like chicken salad, tuna, or seasoned ground beef.
Sandwiches: Its tender leaves are ideal for adding a crisp layer to sandwiches without overpowering other ingredients.

A Comparison of Lettuce Varieties

To better understand what makes Little Gem unique, here is a comparison with other common lettuce types.


Feature	Little Gem Lettuce	Romaine Lettuce (Full-Size)	Butterhead Lettuce	Iceberg Lettuce
Texture	Crisp and juicy heart with tender outer leaves	Very crisp and crunchy, especially the ribs	Soft, buttery, and delicate	Very crunchy, almost watery
Flavor	Sweet and mild, less bitter	Classic, mild romaine flavor, can be slightly bitter	Mild and sweet, almost creamy	Mild and neutral
Size	Small, compact heads (about 5 inches)	Long, large, upright heads	Loose, soft heads	Large, dense, tightly packed heads
Best For	Grilling, elegant salads, wraps	Caesar salads, sturdy wraps	Lettuce wraps, delicate salads	Wedge salads, shredding for tacos

Growing Your Own Little Gem

For home gardeners, Little Gem is a rewarding variety to cultivate. It's often ready for harvest much faster than larger heading lettuces.

Quick Tips for Growing Little Gem:

Timing: Plant seeds in the cooler seasons of spring and fall. These lettuces bolt (go to seed) quickly in intense summer heat.
Spacing: Due to their compact size, you can space them closer together than you would with full-sized romaine, maximizing your harvest in smaller garden beds or containers.
Harvesting: Harvest when the heads are 5 to 7 inches tall for the best flavor and texture. You can also try a 'cut and come again' method, taking outer leaves as needed.
Soil and Water: Ensure well-drained soil with consistent moisture to prevent bitterness.

Conclusion: The Appeal of a Petite Powerhouse

In summary, the small romaine lettuce called Little Gem is a powerhouse of flavor and texture, perfectly bridging the gap between crisp romaine and soft butterhead varieties. Its natural sweetness and compact size make it a favorite for gourmet dishes and simple salads alike. Understanding its proper name and unique characteristics will help you appreciate this versatile green even more, whether you're buying it at the store or growing it in your own garden. For more in-depth information on growing techniques and varieties, consider consulting resources like the ones provided by agricultural specialists and seed companies.

Visit West Coast Seeds for Little Gem growing information

Frequently Asked Questions

No, small romaine lettuce, known as Little Gem, is a distinct variety that is naturally smaller and fully grown at harvest. It's not simply a young version of traditional romaine.

Little Gem lettuce has a sweeter, milder flavor than mature romaine. It offers a combination of crispness in the heart and a tender texture on its leaves, without the potential bitterness of larger varieties.

Yes, Little Gem is an excellent choice for Caesar salad. Its crisp leaves are sturdy enough to hold up to the dressing and provide a satisfying crunch in every bite.

Little Gem lettuce is also known as Sucrine, a French name that means 'sugar,' or Baby Cos, particularly in the UK.

Little Gem is very versatile. You can serve the heads halved with dressing, use the leaves for wraps, grill or char them, or add them to sandwiches for a crisp, tender layer.

Little Gem lettuce can be found at higher-end supermarkets, farmers' markets, and specialty grocers. It is also a popular variety for home gardeners to grow.

Little Gem is a cross between romaine and butter lettuce, offering a crispness that butter lettuce lacks. While butter lettuce is very soft and delicate, Little Gem provides a buttery sweetness with a pleasing crunch.