Iceberg lettuce used to be the go-to for everything lettuce when I was younger, and now there are all kinds of new lettuce types available, but dare I say that I think iceberg lettuce is still my favorite! Knowing how to choose a good head of iceberg lettuce and learning how to store it properly is a must. Therefore, this post is all about how to select and store iceberg lettuce, in order to be able to enjoy it to its fullest.
(This post is an excerpt from The Produce Nerd’s Grocery Guide, with input provided by Hitchcock Farms. You can learn more about the Grocery Guide, which covers this information for 55 different produce items, with input from 26 crop-specific companies HERE.)
What to look for when picking the best quality iceberg lettuce?
- Look for bright green, opaque leaves with some puffy firmness to them.
Common issues to avoid when selecting iceberg lettuce?
- Look out for really pale, almost see-through green leaves, which is a sign of over maturity.
- Also avoid overly large heads, which may be tougher and more bitter.
- Wilted, limp or dense leaves are also a sign of age or poor refrigeration.
- Red butts are commonly thought to be an indicator of age, but it’s actually just the lactose in the plant that is released when its cut, and turns a red, rusty color when exposed to air.
- Older lettuce is harder, more bitter, will start to turn pale or yellow, and will require more salad dressing!
Are there any common issues that are specifically caused by bad grocery store handling?
- Poor refrigeration is always the biggest factor. Rough handling can also result in damaged or torn leaves.
Are there any new cultivars that are being grown that might have different quality indicators or common issues to look out for?
- We grow a specialty baby iceberg cultivar that is smaller (about the size of a softball), crunchier and has a slightly longer shelf-life than traditional iceberg.
What is the best way to store iceberg lettuce at home?
- We like to place the lettuce butt side up, take a knife and cut out the core (making a small crater) then rinse through with cool water. Turn the lettuce right side up, let drain, pat dry and store in an airtight bag in the crisper. This process takes a few minutes but really makes iceberg lettuce last!
- Make sure to keep washed iceberg lettuce in an airtight container in the fridge, in order to prevent it from getting soggy, and to help it last for longer.
What is your favorite way to eat and prepare iceberg lettuce?
- We love a classic wedge salad and have lately been making wedge salad bites with our baby iceberg lettuce. They are a hit with kids!
If you would like to learn more about lettuce, you can check out the following posts:
- Commercial Lettuce Harvesting, Packing & Processing
- Baby Romaine Harvesting & Packing
- How to Select & Store Romaine Lettuce