Many people adore the iceberg lettuce because of its fresh, crispy texture, and because it’s a brilliant all-rounder that tastes great with so many different dishes. Today’s blog looks at what makes iceberg lettuce special and why it has a longer shelf life than many of its counterparts.
Iceberg lettuce originally came from America – actually from California, to be precise. These days, it’s grown in many other countries as well, such as Spain, France, Belgium and Germany, and it’s available all year round in our supermarkets.
Where does the iceberg lettuce get its name?
In days gone by, to keep iceberg lettuces fresh and crispy for as long as possible, they used to be transported on a bed of ice and, in this manner, they could be transported over long distances and yet remain fresh and tasty. The name we still use today arose during these times.
What makes the iceberg lettuce so special?
The main thing that distinguishes the iceberg lettuce from other lettuce varieties is its shelf life. Typically, other types of lettuce are highly temperature sensitive (to both heat and cold), and so they easily wilt and become unsuitable for consumption; in contrast, the iceberg is much more temperature robust and therefore has a longer shelf life. Icebergs also stand out from the crowd because of their wonderfully crispy, scallop-shaped leaves – fantastic crunch appeal and fantastic visual appeal, all in one!
The perfect accompaniment for all kinds of dishes
Thanks to its relatively neutral taste, the iceberg lettuce works well with a huge variety of dishes, and can happily be drizzled with either a sweet or savoury dressing. Iceberg also makes a delicious filling for a sandwich or wrap and, as it retains its crispness well, it still looks and tastes great after a stint in the lunchbox. On top of this, at just 14 calories per 100 grams, Iceberg’s a definite winner because it’s never going to cause your waistline any trouble!
How to store iceberg lettuce
Like green lettuce, iceberg lettuce loves a sunny spot and is in season from May to September. To keep your iceberg lettuce fresh for as long as possible, store it in the refrigerator. In a Liebherr BioFresh compartment it will keep fresh for twice as long as in a standard refrigerator.
Is iceberg lettuce one of your favourite varieties of lettuce? Please let us know! Simply use the comment function below this post or start/join in discussions with us on Facebook.
