Lettuce is a temperate annual or biennial plant of the daisy family Asteraceae.
Iceburg, also called Crisphead, forms tight dense heads that resemble cabbage. Iceburg is generally considered the mildest of lettuces, valued more for its crunchy texture than for flavour.
July - September
Like most lettuce, Iceburg will begin to deteriorate quickly if not stored properly. Moisture and cool temperatures help preserve lettuce, so keep it in the vegetable crisper in the refrigerator in a perforated plastic bag. Try trimming the core of the head before placing lettuce in the refrigerator. Iceburg lettuce will last 5 - 7 days if refrigerated properly.
Core Iceburg lettue by cutting the base out with a sharp knife. Rinse the head under cold water and then remove excess moisture. Cut into wedges or tear into bite sized portions for salads, or use a shredder to prepare for tacos.
Nutritional Value and Fast Facts
Iceburg lettuce may not have as much nutrition as other darker green lettuces, but it is a cource of folate, and some vitamin C, pottasium and iron. Iceburg is also low in calories, sodium and is naturally fat free.
The name Iceburg comes from the way the lettuce was transported in the USA. Starting in the 1920's it was transported on train wagons covered in crushed ice, making it look like iceburgs.
The largest head, of the Salad Bowl cultivar, weighed 11 kg (25 lbs), grown by Colin Bowcock of Willaston, England in 1974.
Use crisp Iceburg lettuce leaves as a low carb substitute for pita bread or taco shells.
Combine with tomatoes, avocados and artichoke hearts for a healthy salad.
Fill cupped leaves weith fresh fruit for a healthy snack.
Crisp chilled Iceburg leaves liven up any sandwich.