Iceberg Lettuce

Iceberg lettuce is a tightly packed, pale-green lettuce prized for its cool, juicy crunch and mild flavor.

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How it compares to Cabbage

Iceberg is more tender and watery than the cabbage it resembles, so it's best used raw or barely heated rather than simmered.

Storage & handling

Remove damaged outer leaves, separate the remaining leaves, and rinse under cool running water.
Dry thoroughly for crisp salads and refrigerate promptly.
Do not use soap on produce, and discard slimy or badly browned leaves.

Good to know

Iceberg is about 96% water, which is exactly what gives it that cool, juicy crunch.
The name comes from how it was shipped a century ago packed under mounds of crushed ice, so rail cars looked like they were hauling icebergs.
Lettuce is one of the oldest salad greens, cultivated by the ancient Egyptians more than 4,000 years ago.

3 Ways to Cook Iceberg Lettuce

Classic Iceberg Wedge SaladCrisp lettuce wedges topped with a creamy dressing, tomatoes, and bacon.+

Ingredients

1 head iceberg lettuce
1/2 cup blue cheese or ranch dressing
1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
4 strips cooked crumbled bacon
1/4 sliced red onion
Black pepper

Instructions

Remove the outer leaves and core, then cut the lettuce into four wedges.
Rinse carefully and dry the wedges well.
Place each wedge on a plate.
Spoon dressing over the wedges.
Top with tomatoes, bacon, red onion, and black pepper.

Recipe adapted from Food Network

Chicken Lettuce CupsSavory ginger-garlic chicken served in crisp iceberg leaves.+

Ingredients

8 large iceberg leaves
1 pound ground chicken or crumbled tofu
1 tablespoon oil
2 minced garlic cloves
1 tablespoon grated ginger
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
1 diced carrot
2 sliced green onions

Instructions

Wash and dry the lettuce leaves and keep them chilled.
Heat oil in a skillet and cook the chicken or tofu until browned.
Add garlic, ginger, and carrot; cook for 3 minutes.
Stir in soy sauce and hoisin and cook until the filling is glossy and fully cooked.
Spoon into lettuce leaves and top with green onions.

Recipe adapted from Food Network

Crunchy Chopped Iceberg SaladA simple chopped salad with cucumber, peppers, herbs, and a bright vinaigrette.+

Ingredients

1 chopped head iceberg lettuce
1 diced cucumber
1 diced bell pepper
1 cup chopped tomatoes
1/4 cup chopped herbs
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice or vinegar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper

Instructions

Wash and thoroughly dry all vegetables.
Combine lettuce, cucumber, pepper, tomatoes, and herbs in a large bowl.
Whisk oil, lemon juice, mustard, salt, and pepper.
Pour the dressing over the salad just before serving.
Toss well and serve immediately.

Recipe adapted from Martha Stewart

Want Iceberg Lettuce in your box?

Every Belle Nature CSA box is grown in Farmington, MN, harvested within 24 hours of delivery, and comes with recipes like these. Order one-time, weekly, or biweekly for the Twin Cities cancel anytime.

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A CSA farm in Farmington, MN delivering farm-fresh, seasonal vegetable boxes across Minneapolis, St. Paul & the Twin Cities metro.

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