How do you harvest lettuce?

[baby-makes-3]

Loose leaf lettuce -- should I cut it all the way down and then let it come up again? Or just harvest the outside leaves of the plant? OR harvest the inside leaves (new growth) and let it come up again from that point?

Everyone seems to do it differently and I want to maximize the production of the plants. THANKS!

[SophieAnn]

I harvest the outside leaves - the largest ones, leaving the inner, smaller leaves to continue growing.

That's what was recommended in square foot gardening, which has a focus on yield.

[MissMommyNiceNice]

I trim from the outside in, using a pair of kitchen scissors. Unless I need a lot, then I just chop away!

[baby-makes-3]

Okay, thanks!

[CarrieMF]

I used a knife & cut it 1-2" from the stalk. Then it re-grows and I get more while we eat the stuff I cut. I like to store lettuce in the fridge with some water so it's crisp.