Butter Lettuce

Butter lettuce is a tender butterhead variety of Lactuca sativa known for its soft, pliable leaves that form a loose rosette. The flavor is mild and faintly sweet with a delicate, almost silky bite, making it a favorite for light salads and as a gentle bed for other ingredients. It is often sold as a whole head and frequently available as a hydroponically grown, "living" product with roots attached to prolong freshness.

Culinarily, butter lettuce excels where delicacy matters: its cupped leaves cradle fillings for wraps and appetizers, and its surface holds dressings without turning soggy when gently dried. It is very low in calories and provides vitamins A and K and folate. Handle with care, rinse lightly, and spin or pat dry. Store refrigerated in a breathable container or clamshell with a slightly damp towel to maintain crispness while avoiding excess moisture.