iceberg lettuce leaves
Low in calories and carbohydrates with high water content; provides dietary fiber and contains vitamin K, vitamin A, and folate in moderate amounts.
About
Iceberg lettuce (Lactuca sativa var. capitata) is a cultivated variety of common lettuce native to the Mediterranean region, now grown globally. It forms a dense, pale green head with tightly packed, crisp leaves that are mild in flavor with subtle sweetness. The leaves are characterized by their high water content (approximately 95%), thin cellular structure, and tender texture. The name derives from the appearance of the heads when shipped in ice during early 20th-century refrigerated transportation. Iceberg lettuce is the most widely cultivated lettuce variety in North America and represents the standard salad lettuce in many Western culinary contexts.
Culinary Uses
Iceberg lettuce is primarily used as a base for fresh salads and as a crisp textural component in composed dishes. Its mild flavor and satisfying crunch make it ideal for supporting other ingredients rather than dominating flavor profiles. It appears in classic preparations such as wedge salads, Caesar salads, and garden salads, as well as in Asian cuisine where leaves serve as wraps for prepared fillings (lettuce cups). The outer leaves provide structural support for composed salads, while inner leaves offer maximum crispness. Iceberg lettuce is also popular as an accompaniment to sandwiches and burgers, where it adds moisture and texture without introducing competing flavors.