What is Butter Lettuce? A Guide to This Delicate Green

December 21, 2025 •

3 min read

Did you know that butter lettuce, a leafy green known for its soft, velvety texture and mild flavor, is also called Boston or Bibb lettuce? This delicate green is a favorite for those who prefer a less bitter alternative to other salad bases.

Quick Summary

Butter lettuce is a mild, tender, and sweet-flavored green known for its soft leaves and loosely formed heads. It is often used in salads, as a wrap for fillings, or on sandwiches. This versatile green is also a good source of vitamins A and K, and can be grown in gardens or purchased in supermarkets, sometimes with roots still attached to extend freshness.

Key Points

Tender Texture: Known for its signature soft, velvety leaves that feel like butter, not for a buttery taste.
Mild, Sweet Flavor: Offers a delicate and slightly sweet taste that is less bitter than many other lettuce varieties.
Nutrient-Dense: A low-calorie source of vitamins A and K, as well as folate, and rich in water for hydration.
Versatile Culinary Uses: Excellent for lettuce wraps, delicate salads, and sandwiches due to its pliable and cup-shaped leaves.
Includes Common Varieties: The butterhead category encompasses popular types like Bibb and Boston lettuce.
Best Stored Carefully: The fragile leaves require gentle handling; keeping roots attached or wrapping in paper towels can extend freshness.

Origins and Characteristics of Butter Lettuce

Butter lettuce, a cultivar of Lactuca sativa var. capitata, has a rich history that can be traced back to the Mediterranean region and ancient Egypt. It is characterized by its loosely-formed, round heads and soft, pliable leaves that feel silky and "buttery" to the touch, not in flavor. This delicate texture distinguishes it from firmer, more robust lettuce varieties. Its taste is typically mild, slightly sweet, and non-bitter, making it a versatile ingredient in many dishes. The leaves can range in color from pale green to deep reddish-purple.

Popular Varieties

Bibb Lettuce: A smaller, more compact variety of butter lettuce first cultivated by John Bibb in Kentucky during the 19th century. It is known for its sweet flavor and delicate leaves, often sold with roots attached to preserve freshness.
Boston Lettuce: A larger-headed and slightly less compact variety than Bibb, with a tender, buttery texture.
Buttercrunch: A green-leaf type known for its dense heads and resistance to bolting in warmer weather.
Four Seasons: A red-leaf butter lettuce that offers a colorful addition to salads and retains its quality in various growing conditions.

Nutritional Benefits and Health Perks

Butter lettuce is a low-calorie, nutrient-dense vegetable that is a beneficial addition to any diet. A single serving is packed with essential vitamins and minerals that contribute to overall health.

Health Benefits of Butter Lettuce:

Rich in Vitamins: It is an excellent source of Vitamin K, which is crucial for blood clotting and bone health, and Vitamin A, vital for vision and immune function.
Hydration: With a water content of around 95%, it is an effective way to help stay hydrated.
Antioxidant Power: Contains antioxidants like beta-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin, which help protect cells from free radical damage and support eye health.
Weight Management: Its high water and fiber content promote a feeling of fullness, making it a great food for those managing their weight.
Low in Calories and Fat: A 100g serving contains only about 13 calories and is virtually fat-free, making it a guilt-free addition to meals.

Butter Lettuce vs. Other Common Lettuces


Feature	Butter Lettuce	Iceberg Lettuce	Romaine Lettuce
Texture	Soft, velvety, and delicate.	Crisp, crunchy, and watery.	Crunchy ribs and long, sturdy leaves.
Flavor	Mild, sweet, and non-bitter.	Very mild and neutral.	Distinct, slightly bitter taste.
Head Formation	Loose, rounded head.	Tightly packed, firm head.	Elongated, upright head.
Nutrient Density	High in Vitamins A and K, and folate.	Low compared to other lettuces.	Good source of Vitamins A and K.
Culinary Use	Wraps, delicate salads.	Shredded in salads, sandwiches.	Caesar salads, grilling.

How to Store and Prepare Butter Lettuce

To maximize the freshness and life of your butter lettuce, proper storage is key due to its fragile nature. If purchased with the roots still attached, storing it in a plastic clamshell or bag with a damp paper towel helps maintain moisture and extends its shelf life for up to a week. For heads without roots, wash and dry the leaves gently, then wrap them in fresh paper towels and place in a loosely sealed plastic bag in the refrigerator's crisper drawer, away from the coldest area. For best results, avoid storing it near ethylene-producing fruits like apples, which can cause wilting.

Preparing butter lettuce is simple. The leaves can be gently separated and washed right before use. Their cup-like shape and mild flavor make them ideal for:

Lettuce Wraps: A fantastic low-carb alternative for fillings like chicken salad, taco meat, or Asian-inspired teriyaki beef.
Gourmet Salads: The soft leaves pair beautifully with lighter vinaigrettes and delicate ingredients like citrus, avocado, and toasted nuts.
Sandwiches: Adds a gentle, satisfying green layer without the heavy crunch of other lettuces.
Cooked Dishes: While primarily used raw, it can be briefly wilted or sautéed for warm salads or soups.

Conclusion

In summary, what is butter lettuce? It is a highly versatile, tender, and nutritious leafy green that adds a mild, sweet flavor and a luxurious texture to countless dishes. Whether you use it for healthy wraps, delicate salads, or as a bed for other ingredients, its unique characteristics make it a culinary standout. By understanding its varieties, health benefits, and proper storage, you can fully appreciate this popular and delicious vegetable.

For more growing tips, consider this resource: How to grow lettuces | RHS Vegetables.

Frequently Asked Questions

Butter lettuce is often used as a synonym for butterhead lettuce. Butterhead is the broader category that includes specific varieties like Bibb and Boston lettuce, all known for their soft, delicate leaves and mild flavor.

No, butter lettuce does not taste like butter. The name refers to its soft, velvety texture, which is often described as feeling buttery in your mouth. Its actual flavor is mild and slightly sweet.

Yes, butter lettuce is generally more nutrient-dense than iceberg lettuce. While both are hydrating, butter lettuce provides higher amounts of vitamins A and K, as well as folate, and contains more antioxidants.

Due to its delicate leaves, butter lettuce should be washed gently. Separate the leaves and swish them in a bowl of cold water. A salad spinner can be used to dry the leaves, or they can be patted dry with paper towels.

Butter lettuce is perfect for delicate salads with lighter dressings. Its cupped leaves also make excellent low-carb wraps for fillings like chicken salad, taco meat, or stir-fry ingredients.

To store butter lettuce, keep it unwashed and loosely wrapped in paper towels inside a plastic bag in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator. If sold with roots attached, keeping the roots moist can help extend its freshness.

While primarily enjoyed raw, butter lettuce can be cooked lightly. It wilts quickly, similar to spinach, and can be briefly sautéed or added to warm salads and soups for a hint of flavor and tender texture.