Butter Head Lettuce

The biggest surprise for people who shop at farmers' markets is realizing that one—lettuce actually has flavor, two—it comes in all shapes and colors, and three—it has different textures. Butter head lettuces typically have loose heads and bright green leaves that emerge like rose petals to form small to medium heads. aBoth Boston and Bibb lettuce are butter heads which are known for their buttery texture and sweet flavor. Lettuce in general has a good amount of vitamin C and folate, the B vitamin, but it's no nutritional powerhouse. Egyptians cultivated lettuce some 4,500 years ago along the Nile and lettuce plants even show up in their hieroglyphics. Romans grew many varieties, which is how Romaine got its name. And, it was Christopher Columbus who introduced lettuce to the New World.

In 1885 there were about 87 varieties of lettuces grown in America. Today, sadly, there are only about four types sold in supermarkets: green and red loose leaf, iceberg, Romaine, and butter head. At a farmer's market, you're likely to see many more varieties of butter heads and among them, heirloom heads that may have red and even dark purplish tips and speckles. There are distinct variations of flavor between lettuces as well and it's fun to sample and compare. In addition to a tossed salad, use fresh lettuces as the centerpiece of a meal. Top crisp greens with grilled spring asparagus and shaved Parmesan.

Try this flavorful salad recipe with just picked, soft as butter leaf lettuce: Butter Lettuce Salad with Cherry Vinaigrette.

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