Iceberg Lettuce 1 Each

**Iceberg lettuce** (also known as crisphead lettuce) is a classic type of lettuce known for its incredibly crisp texture, high water content, and mild, neutral flavor. It forms a dense, round head, similar to cabbage. Here is a brief overview of its characteristics, uses, and nutritional profile: ### **Characteristics** * **Appearance:** Forms a tight, round head with light green outer leaves and paler, almost white, leaves in the core. * **Texture:** Its most notable feature is its **crunch**. The leaves are very firm and crisp. * **Flavor:** It has a very mild, subtly sweet, and watery flavor, making it an excellent backdrop for bolder dressings and ingredients. * **Durability:** It is very hardy, holds up well in storage, and resists wilting better than most leaf lettuces. ### **Culinary Uses** Iceberg lettuce's exceptional crunch and mild flavor make it a staple in many classic dishes: 1. **Wedge Salad:** It is the required base for the classic wedge salad, where a quarter-head is topped with blue cheese dressing, bacon, and tomatoes. 2. **Burgers and Sandwiches:** It's frequently used on sandwiches, burgers, and hot dogs because its sturdiness and crispness add satisfying texture without wilting or overpowering other flavors. 3. **Shredded Topping:** It is often shredded and used as a crunchy topping for tacos, burritos, and chili. 4. **Lettuce Wraps:** The large, sturdy outer leaves are ideal for use as a low-carb wrap or "bun" substitute for dishes like Asian-style chicken wraps. 5. **Cooked Dishes:** While uncommon, it can be lightly stir-fried or braised in some Chinese and other Asian cuisines. ### **Nutritional Profile** Iceberg lettuce is often criticized for being less nutrient-dense than darker leafy greens (like spinach or kale) because its high water content (about 95%) dilutes its vitamin and mineral concentration. However, it still offers health benefits and contains essential nutrients: | Nutrient | Benefit | | :--- | :--- | | **Calories** | Extremely low (about 10 calories per cup shredded). | | **Water** | Very high (excellent for hydration). | | **Vitamin K** | Contributes to healthy blood clotting and bone health. | | **Vitamin A** | Supports eye health and immune function. | | **Folate (Vitamin B9)** | Important for cell growth and DNA synthesis. | | **Dietary Fiber** | Aids in digestion. | *** ### **Selection and Storage Tip** * **Selection:** Choose heads that feel **heavy and firm** for their size, with no browning, bruising, or slime on the outer leaves or core. * **Storage:** Store the whole head in a **perforated plastic bag** or the crisper drawer of your refrigerator. To maintain crispness, some cooks remove the core, rinse the lettuce, and store the head upside down to drain excess water.