Iceberg Lettuce Selection Information | Nutritional Information | Tips & Trivia
Scientific Binomial Name: Lactuca sativa
Salads, sandwiches & garnish.
Good-quality iceberg lettuce will have fairly large, moderately firm heads that give to gentle pressure, and thick leaves.
The leaves will be medium to light-green in color blending to nearly white ribs or veins.
Scratch the stalk and smell. A sweet or bitter smell means sweet or bitter flavor.
Avoid product with thin, wilted leaves and brown spots. Extremely solid, light-colored heads mean all core and less taste.
Oblong and cracked heads mean poor growing conditions.
Always store lettuce and cabbage in the refrigerator.
To prolong storage life, cut the stem end and soak in warm water for 2-3 minutes before storing in your refrigerator.
In general, vegetables will not ripen further after harvest.
Iceberg Lettuce is low in Sodium, and very low in Saturated Fat and Cholesterol. It's also a good source of Thiamin, Vitamin B6, Iron and Potassium, and a very good source of Dietary Fiber, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Folate and Manganese.
Contrary to popular belief, it is not always best to get the firmest head of lettuce. The best tasting lettuce will not be rock solid. If you buy the firmest head, you will get more lettuce for your money, but it may not have the best possible flavor.
Don't throw away lettuce, greens, celery, etc that has been in your refrigerator a little too long and gone limp. Revive most leafy vegetables by cutting a small amount from the stem-end, soaking in warm (100 degree) water for 5 minutes, drain and refrige
Modern lettuce had its start as a Mediterranean weed. As early as 55 B.C., lettuce was served on the tables of Persian kings and praised for its medicinal values.
The name lettuce comes from Latin words referring to its milky juice.
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