iceberg lettuce - rinsed

Iceberg lettuce (Lactuca sativa var. capitata) is a cultivated variety of lettuce native to the Mediterranean region, now widely cultivated worldwide. It forms a dense, compact head of pale green to white crisp leaves arranged in concentric layers, resembling a small cabbage. The variety was developed in the United States in the early 20th century and named for its appearance when shipped in ice. Iceberg lettuce has a mild, slightly sweet flavor with a crisp, watery texture that makes it distinctly refreshing. The outer leaves are darker green and more fibrous, while inner leaves are progressively more tender and pale.

Iceberg lettuce serves as a foundation ingredient in countless salads across Western cuisines, valued primarily for its crisp texture and neutral flavor that allows other ingredients to shine. It appears in classic preparations such as wedge salads, Caesar salads, and iceberg-based slaws. Beyond salads, it is used as a fresh wrapper for tacos and lettuce cups, as a bed for composed salads, and in sandwiches for textural contrast. The rinsed form (as specified here) is ready for immediate use in raw applications. Iceberg lettuce is less commonly cooked, though it may be braised or wilted in certain applications.