CRISPY BUTTER LETTUCE

Buttercrunch lettuce has an interesting history dating back to the 1960s, when growers were looking to develop lettuce varieties suitable for large-scale production, while still meeting the taste and texture expectations of home gardeners.

Background and development
Buttercrunch was created by George Raleigh, a prominent American horticulturist at Cornell University in the United States. At the time, butterhead lettuce was popular, but it tended to suffer under certain extreme weather conditions, such as heat or disease. The idea behind Buttercrunch was to develop a lettuce that combined the sweetness and tenderness of Boston or bibb lettuces (known for their melting texture) with a firmer, crunchier core, similar to that of Batavia lettuces.

Buttercrunch was designed to be resistant to moderate heat, while remaining pleasant to eat thanks to its unique texture: a combination of crunchier outer leaves and a tender, "buttery" heart.

Introduction and recognition
After several trials and selections to improve its resistance to difficult growing conditions, Buttercrunch lettuce was introduced into seed catalogs in the early 1960s. In 1963, it received the prestigious All-America Selections (AAS) award, which recognizes plant varieties that are particularly innovative and high-performing for gardeners. This award propelled Buttercrunch to the rank of a must-have lettuce variety.

This AAS award made Buttercrunch stand out not only for its taste qualities, but also for its robustness and ease of cultivation. It quickly became popular with home gardeners and professionals alike for its ability to produce quality lettuce in a wide variety of climates and soils.

Features and Achievements
Buttercrunch is a head lettuce that forms a small, compact head with thick, tender green leaves that are slightly crunchy. Its outer leaves are often darker and crunchy, while the center leaves are lighter and buttery, offering a soft texture in the mouth.

She is also recognized for:

Its moderate heat resistance makes it less likely to bolt quickly during hot periods.
Good cold resistance, allowing cultivation in early spring or autumn, sometimes even in winter with minimal protection.
Its resistance to diseases, particularly leaf edge blight, which often affects other lettuce varieties.

Legacy and continued popularity
This lettuce continues to be a favorite lettuce variety in home gardens for several reasons: it is easy to grow, tolerant of varying conditions, and most importantly, delicious. Its mild texture and flavor have established it as an ideal choice for salads, and its introduction marked a breakthrough in the breeding of head lettuces suitable for home gardens.

Butter crunch lettuce, like other lettuce varieties, has health-promoting properties. Although it is not specifically grown for medicinal uses, it offers several benefits due to its nutrients and bioactive compounds.

• 1. Rich in antioxidants
  Buttercrunch lettuce contains antioxidants, such as vitamins A and C, which help fight free radicals in the body. Antioxidants play a role in preventing premature aging of cells and reducing the risk of chronic diseases, such as heart disease and certain types of cancer.
• 2. Source of vitamins and minerals
  Vitamin A: Due to the presence of beta-carotene, Buttercrunch lettuce helps maintain healthy skin and improve vision. Vitamin A is also important for strengthening the immune system.
  Vitamin C: This vitamin is essential for immune system health and plays a key role in tissue repair and iron absorption.
  Vitamin K: Important for blood clotting and bone health, this lettuce contains significant amounts.
  Folate (vitamin B9): Necessary for cell production and repair, folate is especially important for pregnant women because it reduces the risk of birth defects.
• 3. Moisturizing properties
  Lettuce is composed of nearly 95 % of water, making it a very hydrating food. It thus helps maintain good hydration, especially in summer or in hot climates. Proper hydration is essential for the proper functioning of all body systems, including digestion, blood circulation, and body temperature.
• 4. Low in calories
  With very few calories, it is ideal in low-calorie diets or for those looking to lose weight. It can be consumed in large quantities without affecting the daily caloric intake, while providing fiber and essential nutrients.
• 5. Source of dietary fiber
  The fiber in lettuce, although moderate, promotes good digestion. It helps prevent constipation, regulate intestinal transit and improve the health of the intestinal microbiota. Fiber also helps regulate blood sugar levels, which can be beneficial for people with diabetes.
• 6. Calming effect
  Traditionally, some varieties of lettuce, including butter crisp lettuce, have been used for their calming effects. Lettuce contains substances such as lactucarium, a type of sap or latex, which has historically been used for its mild sedative properties. Although this use is no longer common, lettuce is still sometimes used to promote relaxation and sleep in herbal remedies.
• 7. Reduces cholesterol
  Some studies suggest that regular consumption of lettuce may help reduce levels of LDL cholesterol (the "bad cholesterol"), which may contribute to cardiovascular health by reducing the risk of heart disease.
• 8. Bone health
  Thanks to its vitamin K content, it promotes good bone health. Vitamin K plays an essential role in bone metabolism and the prevention of diseases such as osteoporosis.

In conclusion
Buttercrunch lettuce is a nutritious food that provides overall health benefits, including immune system, skin, bones, and digestion. Although it is not traditionally used for specific medicinal purposes, regular consumption may have positive health effects due to its many nutrients and beneficial compounds.

Butterhead lettuce is a tender and crunchy variety that lends itself to several culinary preparations, mainly raw but also lightly cooked in some dishes. Here are some popular ways to cook and use it in cooking:

• 1. Fresh salads
  Buttercrunch is perfect for salads, thanks to its soft and buttery texture. Here are some salad ideas:

Simple Salad: Toss Buttercrunch lettuce leaves with a light dressing of olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
Composed salad: Add ingredients like cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, radishes, avocados, and goat cheese or feta.
Fruit salad: Pair lettuce with fruit like pears, apples, or citrus for a sweet-and-savory twist. A drizzle of balsamic vinegar or honey can enhance the flavors.

• 2. Wraps and rolls
  The large leaves of Buttercrunch lettuce are flexible enough to be used as wraps. They can replace tortillas or bread for a lighter meal:

Chicken or Veggie Wraps: Wrap pieces of grilled chicken, crunchy vegetables, and a light sauce in a lettuce leaf.
Asian Wraps: Use these for Asian-style wraps, with ground pork, ginger, garlic, shredded carrots, and soy sauce.

• 3. Sandwiches and burgers
  Add a few Buttercrunch leaves to your sandwiches and burgers for a touch of freshness and crunch:

Burger: Use lettuce in burgers or sandwiches to provide a light, crunchy texture.
Vegetarian Sandwiches: Combine lettuce with slices of avocado, tomato, cheese and grilled vegetables for a tasty sandwich.

• 4. Garnish for hot dishes
  Although it is often eaten raw, Buttercrunch lettuce can also be added as a topping to certain hot dishes:

Soup: Add a few lettuce leaves just before serving hot soup for a fresh, slightly crunchy touch.
Risotto or Pasta Dishes: Arrange lettuce leaves on dishes like risotto or pasta to give them a contrasting texture.

• 5. Lightly braised
  For an original preparation, you can braise Buttercrunch lettuce. Although it is not common, it is an interesting option for fans of cooked dishes:

Heat a little butter or oil in a frying pan, add the lettuce leaves and cook quickly (a few minutes) until slightly wilted but still crisp.
Season with salt, pepper, a dash of lemon juice or vinegar, and serve as an accompaniment.

• 6. Green juices and smoothies
  Thanks to its water and nutrient content, Buttercrunch lettuce can be added to green juices or smoothies:

Mix it with spinach, cucumber, apple and ginger for a fresh, thirst-quenching juice.
For a smoothie, combine it with banana, berries, and plant-based milk for a nourishing drink.

• General advice
  Light seasoning: This lettuce has a mild and delicate taste. It is best to use simple and light seasonings so as not to mask its natural flavor.
  Preparation: Gently wash the leaves before use, as they are quite fragile. Squeeze them well to keep them crisp.
  Storage: To prolong freshness, store unwashed leaves in the refrigerator in a plastic bag or airtight container with a paper towel to absorb moisture.
  In the kitchen, this lettuce stands out for its versatility and mild taste, whether you want to incorporate it into a simple salad or cook it lightly.

Tip and trick:

Sowing in succession
To have Buttercrunch lettuce all year round, sow in succession:

Spring and fall: Sow directly into the ground as soon as the soil can be worked (early spring) and repeat sowing every 2-3 weeks for a continuous harvest until fall.
Winter: In a cold greenhouse or with a plastic tunnel, you can continue growing in winter. In regions with mild winters, butter crisp lettuce tolerates cold temperatures well, especially with a garden cover as protection.

Our seeds are vigorous, open-pollinated and adapted to the Quebec climate.

• Species: Lactuca Sativa
• Sowing: Early April-May (consecutive sowing every 2-3 weeks until September)
• Seeds: 3 seeds per cell or pot in April and plant in the ground towards the end of May.
  From the end of May, put the seeds directly in the ground
• The pots will be ready to plant 1 month after sowing.
• Sowing depth: 0.5 cm
• Germination time: 3-10 days
• Soil: Slightly acidic, humus-rich, loose, fresh and well-drained
• Location: Sun and tolerates shade and cold very well
• Spacing between plants: 25–30cm
• Height at maturity: 20-35cm
• Maturity: 45-60 days
• Seed per envelope: +/- 150

Our seeds are guaranteed for the year of purchase.