Quit Hating Iceberg Lettuce and Make Mealtime Delicious Again!

At one point in the 20th century Iceberg lettuce, formerly known as “Crisphead,” comprised over 90% of the lettuce grown and sold in the United States. With the rise of health and culinary trends at the end of the century Iceberg has been pushed aside by a variety of other diverse lettuce options. You may have heard by now that the wonderfully crunchy and crisp Iceberg has no nutritional content. “Crunchy water” I have heard some call it. While it is true that many of these other leafs contain more nutrients than Iceberg lettuce, the fallen king of the lettuce world is not devoid of nutritional value.

In fact, Iceberg is good source of Thiamin, Vitamin B6, Iron and Potassium, and a very good source of Dietary Fiber, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Folate and Manganese. Just one cup of shredded Iceberg provides 22% of your daily vitamin K which, among other benefits helps guard against osteoporosis and promotes the clotting of blood. It seems this often bashed head of lettuce is a bit more than “crunchy water,” but that’s not the best part.

Now since we can forgive Iceberg Lettuce for being a bit underwhelming to the nutrient-hawks of the world, let’s discuss how insanely delicious this ingredient can make your next meal!

Shred it! Shredded lettuce provides a crisp cool element to sandwiches, wraps, and tacos. Mixed with other greens shredded lettuce will balance out the flavor and texture of a salad.

Wedge it! Wedge Salads are simple to make. Simply quarter heads of lettuce and add your favorite salad toppings.

Wrapp it! For low-carb options use Iceberg Lettuce as the wrapp or shell for any traditional sandwich, wrap, or tortilla meal. Or pack the leafy-cups with a something like spicy noodles in peanut sauce.

Whatever way you like it, Iceberg Lettuce has a place on your plate. If you have been estranged from this culinary wonder I suggest you give it one more try. I challenge you to. You can still eat kale and swiss-chard, and you don’t have to tell your friends about it if you’re embarrassed. But once you remember the satisfaction and joy a crispy head of Iceberg can bring to your meals you might just want to brag about your recent rediscovery.