Boston Lettuce ★ Sysco Bahamas Food Services

Boston Lettuce

Boston Lettuce is also called Bibb Lettuce, Butterhead, Butter Lettuce or Limestone Lettuce. Boston Lettuce is grown in a hydroponic greenhouse in Nassau, Bahamas and is sold with roots intact as a “Living Lettuce”. It will not spoil and will remain alive for up to 4 weeks, as long as the roots are kept moist.

from Wikipedia.com:

There are several types of lettuce, but three (leaf, head and romaine) are the most common. There are seven main cultivar groups of lettuce, each including many varieties:

Leaf – Also known as looseleaf, cutting or bunching lettuce, this type has loosely bunched leaves and is the most widely planted. It is used mainly for salads.
Romaine aka Cos – Used mainly for salads and sandwiches, this type forms long, upright heads.^[31] This is the most often used lettuce in Caesar salads.
Crisphead – Better known as “iceberg” lettuce, the most popular lettuce in the US, this type is very heat-sensitive and was originally adapted for growth in the northern US. It ships well, but is low in flavor and nutritional content, being composed of even more water than other lettuce types.
Butterhead – Also known as Boston or Bibb lettuce, this type is a head lettuce with a loose arrangement of leaves, known for its sweet flavor and tender texture.

There are a few other varieties of lettuce, but these are mainly used for Asian cooking and are not as readily available here. The butterhead and crisphead types are sometimes known together as “cabbage” lettuce, because their heads are shorter, flatter, and more cabbage-like than romaine lettuces.

Boston lettuce is shaped like cabbage and has bright green, loose, firm leaves surrounding a small heart of softer, paler leaves. It related to the Sunflower. TASTE: Firm, crispy leaves have a smooth, velvety texture and sweetish, nutty flavour, while the stems are crunchy but flexible. USES: Does not wilt easily, so it is ideal for inclusion in wraps and sandwiches. The thicker leaves are idea for Lettuce Wraps. The texture and taste do well in salads featuring bold flavours such as cheeses, creamy and sharp dressings, citrus, meats, smoked fish, guacamole and fresh herbs. Boston Bibb Lettuce can also be braised, roasted or added to soups and sauces. Suitable for garnish and presentation. HEALTH BENEFITS: High vitamins A, B, C and K, as well as calcium, magnesium and potassium. RECIPES: