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Seed | Buttery Crisp Lettuce
  • Seed | Buttery Crisp Lettuce
Seed | Buttery Crisp Lettuce

Seed | Buttery Crisp Lettuce

$3.99 CAD
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These Buttery Crisp Lettuce seeds produce a variety of lettuce with tender, crisp leaves and a mild, buttery flavor. Ideal for Quebec vegetable gardens, this lettuce withstands both cool and warm temperatures.
A LITTLE HISTORY

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 horticulturalist 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, crisper center, 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 crispier outer leaves and a tender, “buttery” center.

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 successful for gardeners. This award propelled Buttercrunch to the status of a must-have lettuce variety.

This AAS award made Buttercrunch stand out not only for its taste, but also for its hardiness and ease of cultivation. It quickly became popular with both home and professional gardeners 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 tender, thick, and slightly crisp green leaves. Its outer leaves are often darker and crisp, while the center leaves are lighter and buttery, offering a soft texture.

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 in vegetable gardens for several reasons: it's easy to grow, tolerant of varied conditions, and, above all, delicious. Its texture and mild 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.
PROPERTIES

Butter crunch lettuce, like other lettuce varieties, has health-promoting properties. Although it is not specifically cultivated for medicinal uses, it offers several benefits thanks 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: Thanks 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 particularly important for pregnant women because it reduces the risk of birth defects.
  • 3. Moisturizing properties
    Lettuce is composed of nearly 95% water, making it a very hydrating food. It helps maintain good hydration, especially in summer or hot climates. Proper hydration is essential for the proper functioning of all bodily systems, including digestion, blood circulation, and body temperature.
  • 4. Low in calories
    With very few calories, it is ideal for low-calorie diets or for those looking to lose weight. It can be consumed in large quantities without affecting daily calorie intake, while still providing fiber and essential nutrients.
  • 5. Source of dietary fiber
    The fiber in lettuce, although moderate, promotes good digestion. It helps prevent constipation, regulate bowel movements, and improve the health of the gut microbiota. Fiber also helps regulate blood sugar levels, which can be beneficial for people with diabetes.
  • 6. Calming effect
    Traditionally, certain varieties of lettuce, including butter crisp, have been used for their calming effects. Lettuce contains substances such as lactucarium, a type of sap or latex, which was historically 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. Lower cholesterol
    Some studies suggest that regular consumption of lettuce may help lower 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. While not traditionally used for specific medicinal purposes, regular consumption may have positive health effects thanks to its many nutrients and beneficial compounds.
HOW TO COOK?

Butterhead lettuce is a tender and crisp variety that lends itself to a variety of culinary preparations, primarily 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, 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.
Mixed 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 Vegetable Wraps: Wrap pieces of grilled chicken, crunchy vegetables, and a light sauce in a lettuce leaf.
Asian Wraps: Use them 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 avocado slices, 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 over dishes like risotto or pasta to give them a contrasting texture.

  • 5. Lightly braised
    For a unique dish, you can braise Buttercrunch lettuce. While this isn't common, it's a great option for fans of cooked dishes:

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

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

Blend 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, delicate flavor. It's best to use simple, 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 their 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 flavor, whether you want to add it to a simple salad or cook it lightly.
HOW TO GROW?

Tip and trick:

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

Spring and Autumn: 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 autumn.
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.

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