What Is Bibb Lettuce?

food cooking

Bibb lettuce, also known as limestone lettuce, is a variety of butterhead lettuce with loose, delicate, and crisp but tender leaves. It was first grown by Jack Bibb, a Kentucky amateur horticulturist, in the late 1800s, which is where its name originated. However, it is also known as limestone lettuce due to the limestone found in the soil where it was first grown.

Bibb lettuce is regarded for its distinctive, almost buttery, flavor, and is considered a delicacy among lettuces. It is expensive to purchase, and may be difficult to find in some locations. However, it can be found in the produce section of many health food and specialty food stores, or in some well-stocked supermarkets. Common substitutions for Bibb lettuce include Boston lettuce and celery leaves.

Preparing Bibb lettuce leaves requires a gentle touch. Because they are so delicate, they are easily bruised or damaged. The core is removed first, carefully, and then the leaves are immersed in cold water before they are drained and patted dry. The leaves are then tossed with other veggies to make a Bibb lettuce salad, or used in other various types of salads. They are popular in tuna and salmon salads in many places, but are also used to add flavor to raw vegetable salads.

Bibb lettuce should be purchased fresh, when the leaves are firm with no visible signs of wilting. It will store in the refrigerator for as long as three days, when placed in a plastic bag in the crisper. It will quickly wilt if left out at room temperature for any significant length of time. Salads made with Bibb lettuce should be covered and stored in a refrigerator until ready to serve.

This variety is also popular amongst home gardeners, particularly in North America, and is easily grown in cool climates. It takes approximately 60 days to reach maturity after being planted, and a gardener should harvest Bibb lettuce before hot, humid weather makes an appearance. It is typically started indoors in very early spring, and is ready for the salad bowl within two months.

A good source of folate, Bibb lettuce contains about 40 micrograms (mcg) per one cup (56 gram) serving. It is also a good source of vitamin A, containing about 533 International Units (IU) per one cup (56 gram) serving. Like most lettuces, it is low in fat and calories. Bibb lettuce contains less than one half gram of fat per serving, and only seven calories.

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Written by C. Ausbrooks


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