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Bibb lettuce

what is it?

A type of butter lettuce, Bibb lettuce is the smaller of the two most popular varieties you'll find at the supermarket (the other is Boston lettuce). Usually a little pricier, it has more flavor, and its cupped leaves are the perfect size for using as wraps or as "bowls" for seafood of chicken salad.

kitchen math:

6 oz. (1 to 2 heads) = about 5 cups bite-size pieces

don't have it?

Boston lettuce; green or red leaf lettuce.

how to choose:

Look for leafy rosettes that are dense and heavy for their size. Avoid those with wilted or flaccid outer leaves or brown edges.

how to prep:

Lettuces are great at trapping soil in their leaves, so wash them as many times as it takes to remove the grit. The best way is to soak separated leaves in water and then lift the greens out of the water to leave the grit behind. Dry thoroughly, preferably in a spinner.

how to store:

Pack washed and dried leaves loosely in a zip-top bag lined with paper towels, gently squeeze out most of the air, and seal.

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