butterhead

Butterhead lettuce, or butterhead, is a cultivar group of Lactuca sativa. It forms soft, rounded heads from loose, spoon-shaped leaves with a tender, buttery texture and mild, slightly sweet flavor.

The best-known butterhead cultivars are Bibb and Boston, sometimes marketed simply as butterhead lettuce. Leaves are broad and pliant, typically light green with pale interior; outer leaves may be slightly tinted. Heads are looser than iceberg and not as crisp as romaine.

Butterhead is a cool-season crop, tolerant of light frosts. It requires rich, well-drained soil and steady moisture. It can bolt in hot weather; in warm climates it benefits from shade and early planting. Harvest when heads are firm but not tightly closed; baby leaves are harvested earlier.

Butterhead provides relatively low calories and notable amounts of vitamins A and K, along with folate and fiber. It is commonly used in salads, sandwiches, and wraps; the soft leaves are prized for their delicate texture.

Store refrigerated in a breathable bag or wrapped in damp paper for up to about a week. Butterhead varieties have a long history in European and North American gardens; Bibb and Boston were selected cultivars that gained widespread commercial popularity in the 20th century.