Butter Lettuce — Nutrients, Health Benefits, and Shopping Tips

Butter lettuce should feature vibrant, green leaves that are tender yet crisp. Ensure the leaves are intact and show no signs of wilting, confirming their freshness. The head should be compact and without any browned edges.

Discard butter lettuce with slimy or discolored leaves, as these are signs of degradation. A prime head of butter lettuce will be notably heavy for its size, an indicator of its freshness and hydration.

Butter lettuce should be stored in the refrigerator, preferably in the crisper drawer. Placing it in a perforated plastic bag helps maintain its freshness and crispness for up to a week. Properly stored, butter lettuce retains its nutrients and texture.

Excess moisture can cause butter lettuce to wilt and spoil, so keeping it dry is crucial. Do not wash before storing, as residual water can accelerate spoilage. Keeping it away from ethylene-producing fruits helps prevent premature wilting.

Butter lettuce can last for 5-7 days in the refrigerator. To keep it fresh, store it in a plastic bag or container with a paper towel to absorb excess moisture. For best results, keep it in the crisper drawer of the refrigerator.

Leftover butter lettuce can be used in a variety of fresh dishes. Add it to salads with your favorite vegetables, nuts, and dressings for a light and crisp base. Butter lettuce is also great as a wrap for sandwich fillings, where its soft leaves provide a delicate texture.

Use butter lettuce as a bed for grilled meats or fish, or chop it and mix into a grain salad with quinoa or couscous. If you have a lot of butter lettuce, consider using it in a lettuce wrap with ground meat, vegetables, and a flavorful sauce. Butter lettuce can also be used in sandwiches or burgers in place of regular lettuce, or simply served as a side salad with a light vinaigrette. For a simple appetizer, wrap butter lettuce leaves around a slice of cheese and a piece of fruit for a refreshing bite.

Butter lettuce is a low-calorie leafy green rich in vitamin A, promoting eye health and supporting immune function. Its fiber content supports digestive health by aiding in regular bowel movements, and its high water content helps with hydration. Additionally, butter lettuce is a good source of vitamin K, which promotes bone health by aiding calcium absorption.