All About Butter Lettuce

When cooked, butter lettuce takes on a different character. Its leaves will wilt gently, transforming from crisp to tender, much like spinach. The flavor becomes slightly sweeter and more concentrated, with a mild bitterness emerging as well. When sautéed or braised briefly, it adds a touch of elegance to warm dishes. Overall, the delicate nature of cooked butter lettuce allows it to blend well with various ingredients, enhancing the overall taste and texture of the final creation.

Growing butter lettuce

Typically, butter lettuce is ready to be harvested when the leaves have grown to around 4 to 6 inches in diameter. The outer leaves will be lush, tender, and vibrant in color. Gently squeeze the leaves; they should feel supple and pliable, not tough or overly rigid. You can harvest butter lettuce by cutting the outer leaves at their base, allowing the inner leaves to continue growing for any future harvests.

Purchased butter lettuce

When purchasing fresh butter lettuce, look for crisp leaves with no signs of wilting or discoloration. The head should feel dense and heavy for its size. The base of the lettuce should not be slimy or discolored. Butter lettuce is highly perishable, so choose heads with vibrant, healthy leaves and use within a few days of purchase for the best quality and taste.

Start by gently washing and drying the leaves, removing excess moisture to prevent rot. Place the lettuce in a clean, dry paper towel and put it in a plastic bag. Leave the bag slightly open to allow for airflow. Store this bundle in the vegetable crisper drawer of your refrigerator. Alternatively, you can use an airtight container lined with paper towels. Consume within a week for optimal quality. 

Remember to not wash the lettuce until you’re ready to use it, as moisture speeds up decay.

Freezing butter lettuce is not recommended—its high water content and delicate texture make it ill-suited for freezing.

Butter lettuce is commonly grown in temperate zones where temperatures are mild and consistent. California’s fertile growing regions, such as the Salinas Valley, are significant hubs for butter lettuce production due to the optimal climate and soil conditions. Coastal areas in other states and parts of Europe and Asia also cultivate butter lettuce. Its preference for cooler temperatures and ability to withstand light frost makes it suitable for both spring and fall planting.