Harvesting head lettuce –

In the early stages, you may cut off individual leaves (e.g. for a sandwich)
Harvest the full head of lettuce whenever it is filled out, or when the leaves from nearby lettuces push up against each other
May – June, or through July if it has some shade throughout the day
When plants have gone to flower (aka bolted), which makes them bitter and unpalatable
You can tell a lettuce is bolting when it starts to grow upward, taking the shape of a cone
Harvest ASAP if you see this happening
Cut the entire head free by slicing along the soil line with a sharp knif
Harvest in the early morning when the lettuce is most crisp, before it starts to wilt from the heat of the day

Storing head lettuce –

Fresh Storage: Cool and rinse immediately after harvest by dunking into cold water. Leave on a towel to dry. Place in airtight bags or containers and refrigerate. Lasts up to 2 weeks when stored fresh from the garden.
Long-Term Storage: Do not freeze lettuce.

How to use head lettuces –

Classic Garden Salad: Tear or chop head lettuce into bite-sized pieces and combine with other salad vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, and carrots. Toss with your favorite dressing and enjoy a refreshing and crisp salad.
Lettuce Wraps: Use large lettuce leaves as a wrapper for fillings like grilled chicken, tofu, or seasoned ground meat. Add your choice of vegetables, sauces, and toppings for a light and flavorful wrap.
Caesar Salad: Toss tornlettuce leaves with Caesar dressing, grated Parmesan cheese, and croutons. Add grilled chicken or shrimp for a more substantial meal. This classic salad is a crowd-pleaser.
Lettuce Cups: Use lettuce leaves, such as Boston lettuce or green leaf lettuce, as cups to hold fillings like chicken or tuna salad, stir-fried vegetables, or even taco fillings. The lettuce cups provide a refreshing and low-carb alternative to traditional wraps or tortillas.
Grilled Lettuce: Brush lettuce halves or wedges with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and grill until lightly charred and wilted. Drizzle with a vinaigrette or a squeeze of lemon juice for a smoky and unique twist on salad.