Butterhead / Boston / Bibb Lettuce
Butterhead lettuce encompasses the loosely-headed, round varieties including Boston and Bibb — all characterized by soft, pliable leaves with a buttery texture and a sweet, mild flavor. It's the most delicate of the main lettuce types, prized in French cuisine and by chefs for its elegant, soft cups and extraordinary tenderness.
Boston: Larger, loosely formed head with soft, crinkled pale green leaves. The most widely available butterhead variety in US supermarkets.
Bibb (Limestone): Smaller, more compact head with a tighter cup and even more tender, slightly oily leaves. Considered the finest-flavored butterhead. Bibb is the preferred variety of high-end restaurants.
Texture: The softest and most delicate lettuce — the name "butterhead" perfectly describes the almost creamy, smooth texture of the leaves. They fold and drape rather than crunch.
Flavor: The sweetest and mildest of all lettuce types. A subtle buttery, slightly sweet flavor with no bitterness. The gentle flavor pairs with delicate vinaigrettes and allows toppings to shine.
Simple Vinaigrette Salad
A classic French salad — dress gently with a light vinaigrette just before serving. The delicate leaves bruise easily.
Lettuce Wraps
The round cup shape is perfect for wraps — Boston and Bibb cups hold fillings better than most lettuces.
Composed Salads
Used in composed restaurant salads where individual leaves are artfully arranged rather than tossed.
Braised
A classic French preparation — braise whole heads in butter and stock for an elegant warm side dish.
• Dress only at the last moment — the delicate leaves wilt and bruise much faster than Romaine or Iceberg
• Use a light hand with the dressing — the delicate flavor is easily overwhelmed
• Bibb's cup shape makes portioning easy — individual leaves work as elegant single-serving vessels
The most perishable main lettuce type — use within 4–5 days. Store in the crisper with the root end down if still attached. Very susceptible to bruising; handle gently. Living butterhead (sold with roots) keeps much longer.