Iceberg Lettuce – All You Need to Know | Instacart Guide to Fresh Produce

What is iceberg lettuce?

The iceberg lettuce—or crisphead lettuce—is a salad staple. It looks like a carbon copy of the cabbage plant from the outside to the inside. But, the iceberg lettuce’s crunch makes it vastly different from cooked cabbage.

Thanks to its crispness, this leafy green makes a frequent appearance in sandwiches, burritos, tacos, and lettuce wraps. The iceberg lettuce’s neutral flavor with a slightly sweet aftertaste broadly appeals to tastebuds everywhere. But what really sets this veggie apart from other fresh vegetables is that it retains all of its freshness, even at 32°F.

Where did iceberg lettuce originate from?

Before the popularity of Romaine and butterhead, iceberg lettuce used to rule the lettuce world. You can think of it as the forefather of all lettuce varieties. In fact, it reigned supreme in the fresh produce section when kale, spinach, and arugula had yet to exist.

In 1984, the Burpee Seed Co. created the first-ever iceberg lettuce by covering lettuce heads with crushed ice before transporting them. As a result, the heads greatly resemble icebergs, coining the term “iceberg lettuce.”

Then, in the 1920s, Tanimura & Antle, a produce company based in Salinas, California, recognized the veggie’s sturdiness for cross-country travel and began transporting this fresh produce across the U.S. continent. In current times, iceberg lettuce is still the main lettuce variety grown in California, holding its spot against the newer contenders.

What is the nutritional value of iceberg lettuce?

You may be surprised to hear the iceberg lettuce isn’t widely adored in the health community (despite its low calories and crisp freshness). That’s because when compared to other leafy vegetables, such as Romaine lettuce and kale, iceberg lettuce has a relatively low fiber content that may seem almost mediocre.

But that’s not to say this leafy green isn’t good for you at all. In fact, this iceberg lettuce contains:

• Vitamin A
• Vitamin K
• Vitamin C
• Calcium
• Potassium
• Folate

More than that, the crisp leaves boast an extraordinarily high water content, which makes for a healthy thirst-quencher when you need extra hydration during summer.

How is iceberg lettuce grown?

Like any other lettuce varieties, iceberg lettuce does best in cool, frost-free conditions—it bolts rather quickly in high temperatures. As such, it’s typically grown in spring and fall.

The seeds of this lettuce plant can be directly planted in the ground or germinate indoors for a month or so before transplanting them outdoors. Usually, iceberg lettuce matures between 2–3 months and can be harvested once the heads are full of tightly curled leaves.

When is iceberg lettuce in season?

Although iceberg lettuce is normally available in grocery stores throughout the year, its peak seasonality covers mid to late spring and late fall. To enjoy iceberg lettuce at its finest, open Instacart and start browsing. Shop fresh iceberg lettuce.

What should I look for when buying iceberg lettuce?

When buying iceberg lettuce at the grocery store, you should avoid:

• Blemished lettuce heads
• An overly soft texture
• Faded colors ranging from pale green to white

You can easily shop for iceberg lettuce via Instacart. After adding a product to your cart, use the “Instructions” option to share with your Instacart shopper specific preferences or directions on choosing the best lettuce. Find iceberg lettuce now.

How to store iceberg lettuce

To extend the longevity of iceberg lettuce, learn how to store it the proper way.

For whole iceberg lettuce heads, you should:

• Wrap the unwashed lettuce heads in dry paper towels before placing them in ziplock bags or plastic containers
• Store the bags or containers in the crisper drawer of your fridge
• Periodically check the paper towels every other day or so, and replace them when they’ve turned soggy

For loose-leaf iceberg lettuce, you should:

• Wash the leaves thoroughly
• Gently pat dry the leaves with paper towels (or you could use a salad spinner)
• Wrap the leaves in dry paper towels before placing them in ziplock bags or plastic containers
• Store the bags or containers in the crisper drawer of your fridge
• Periodically check the paper towels every other day or so, and replace them when they’ve turned soggy

Do remember to separate iceberg lettuce from fruits, like bananas, which give off the fruit-ripening ethylene gas—this causes the lettuce leaves to turn brown.

How to tell if iceberg lettuce is bad

If your iceberg lettuce feels mushy and/or smells unpleasant, it’s time to chuck them into the bin. That said, if the outer leaves of a lettuce head look a little wilted or browned, peel them off to check the inside. If the inner leaves still look fresh and crisp to the touch, they are still safe for consumption.

What can I substitute for iceberg lettuce?

If you’re out of iceberg lettuce, don’t fret. There are countless other alternatives for your salads and burgers:

• Romaine lettuce
• Butterhead lettuce
• Green leaf lettuce
• Arugula
• Kale
• Spinach
• Watercress
• Radicchio
• Endives
• Green chard
• Mixed greens

Keen on trying any of the above vegetables for yourself? Instacart offers same-day delivery for a wide selection of fresh produce near you.

A classic staple everywhere

The iceberg lettuce may look unassuming, but it is a versatile veggie for your meals. Whether you want to freshen up your sandwich or add a few leaves to your tacos for a cheat meal, this leafy green never disappoints. Instacart aims to deliver iceberg lettuce near you in as short as 2 hours. Shop for organic iceberg lettuce.

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Instacart is the leading grocery technology company in North America, partnering with more than 1,400 national, regional, and local retail banners to deliver from more than 80,000 stores across more than 14,000 cities in North America. To read more Instacart posts, you can browse the company blog or search by keyword using the search bar at the top of the page.