Butter lettuce is a frequently used leafy green in my home and in the home of Paleoistas everywhere. You often find butter lettuce in a plastic container (there are known as clamshells) in the produce aisle of your grocery store and most of the time it’s alive, still attached to its root.
The reason for the packaging is because this is a very delicate lettuce. If it weren’t sold like that, it would most likely be bruised by the time you got it to your fridge.
Butter lettuce is a favorite green of Paleo folks because its leaves are smooth and pliable and can easily be used to wrap foods in place of traditional grain tortillas or sandwich bread.
These tender, loosely bunched leaves aren’t only convenient, but they’re also quite rich in nutrients.
Vitamin A: Butter lettuce is rich in Vitamin A which allows your body to protect itself from free radicals and toxins in the environment. We need Vitamin A to keep our teeth and bones healthy and to keep our skin and soft tissue in good shape.
Vitamin K: Butter lettuce is a good source of Vitamin K which is also commonly referred to as the clotting vitamin. We need Vitamin K for clots to form in our blood. Our bodies also use Vitamin K to maintain strong healthy bones.
Phosphorous: Your body’s cells all contain phosphorous. Phosphorous is essential for bone and tooth health, muscle contraction, nerve function, and many other bodily functions.
Butter lettuce is also a great source of fiber, folate, and Vitamin C.
When you’re shopping for butter lettuce, avoid heads with wilted leaves. When you get your lettuce home, if you’ve purchased a head of living lettuce, keep it in its original packaging and wash it just before you use it.
If you’ve joined our 30 Day Paleo Challenge you’ll find that butter lettuce will quickly become a staple in your kitchen!