Iceberg Lettuce

Iceberg lettuce is a crisp and refreshing vegetable, known for its mild flavor and sturdy, crunchy leaves. It is available year-round, with peak season in the spring and early summer. Iceberg lettuce is a popular choice for salads, wraps, and as a garnish due to its ability to maintain texture and provide a cool contrast in dishes. It is a staple in American cuisine, particularly in classic salads like the Wedge Salad, and is also used in various sandwiches and burgers for added crunch.

Iceberg Lettuce Synonyms

Crisphead lettuce

Different Forms/Types of Iceberg Lettuce

Salad mixes

Iceberg lettuce is often included in pre-mixed salad bags with other greens for a varied texture and flavor profile.

Whole heads

Iceberg lettuce is most commonly found in whole heads, which are compact, dense, and round with crisp leaves.

Bagged shredded

Pre-shredded iceberg lettuce is available for convenience, often used for sandwiches, tacos, and salads.

How to Choose Iceberg Lettuce

When selecting iceberg lettuce, look for heads that are firm and heavy for their size with bright, fresh-looking leaves. The outer leaves should be free from major blemishes, wilting, or brown spots. The core should not show signs of browning or rusting. Avoid heads with a puffy shape as they may be less crisp.

Cooking/Prep Tips for Iceberg Lettuce

Iceberg lettuce is prized for its crisp texture and mild flavor, making it a versatile ingredient in the kitchen. For intermediate and expert home cooks, it's important to know that the crispness of Iceberg lettuce can be maintained or even enhanced by proper storage and preparation. To keep it fresh, store the lettuce in the refrigerator with a damp paper towel and use it within a week. Before using, separate the leaves and wash them under cold water. To revive wilted leaves, soak them in ice water for a few minutes. When chopping Iceberg lettuce, use a sharp knife to avoid bruising the edges, which can lead to quicker browning.

Shelf Life of Iceberg Lettuce

To maintain the freshness of iceberg lettuce, store the whole head in the refrigerator's crisper drawer. It's best to keep it unwashed until you're ready to use it to prevent excess moisture, which can lead to decay. If you have a partially used head, wrap it in a damp paper towel and place it in a plastic bag before storing it in the crisper. Shredded or bagged lettuce should be kept refrigerated and used by the 'best by' date on the package. For optimal freshness, consume within a few days of opening.

Recommended Brands for Iceberg Lettuce

Salad mixes: Earthbound Farm, Organic Girl

Bagged shredded: Dole, Fresh Express

Cooking Techniques for Iceberg Lettuce

Raw: Iceberg lettuce is most commonly used raw in salads and sandwiches due to its crunchy texture. It's important to dry the leaves thoroughly after washing to prevent a watered-down salad dressing or a soggy sandwich.

Wedge: A classic presentation of Iceberg lettuce is the wedge salad, where the head is cut into quarters and served with a creamy dressing. This method highlights the lettuce's texture and is a canvas for various toppings.

Grilling: Grilling Iceberg lettuce can add a smoky flavor and slightly wilt the leaves for a unique twist. Cut the head into thick wedges, brush with oil, and grill for a few minutes on each side until charred in spots.