Iceberg lettuce

With the support of our stable Hungarian producer base, this vegetable is always available in high quality in our wholesale assortment – ask us for an offer!

Iceberg lettuce (Lactuca sativa var. capitata) is one of the best-known varieties of lettuce, popular throughout Europe for its crisp leaves and pleasant, slightly sweet flavour. The name comes from the fact that its leaves used to be stored in ice cubes, which kept them fresher and crispier for longer. It originated in the United States of America, where it became widespread in the early 20th century. In Europe it became really popular in the 1960s, mainly because of its easy storage and freshness.

From a health perspective, iceberg lettuce contains valuable fibre, vitamin C, vitamin K, folic acid and potassium. Thanks to its high water content (almost 95%), it is low in calories, making it an excellent choice for dieters and health-conscious eaters.

In Europe, Spain, Italy, France and Germany are the main producers of iceberg lettuce, and it is also becoming increasingly widespread in Hungary, although it is still grown in smaller quantities.

Specificities of its production

Iceberg lettuce is mainly grown from early spring to late autumn, most often in the open field, but can also be grown in greenhouses during the colder months of the year. Spain is the leading producer in Europe, especially in the winter months when production is limited in other countries.

In Hungary, locally grown iceberg lettuce is mainly available in shops from April to October. From November to March, imported products are usually available, mainly from southern Europe (Spain and Italy).

How to choose a good quality iceberg lettuce?

When buying, you should consider the following:

• Good iceberg lettuce leaves are bright light green.
• Avoid lettuce with brown, mottled, wilted leaves.
• The head should be firm to the touch, heavy and the leaves crisp, not soft or wet.
• The stem at the bottom of the fresh lettuce head should be light, not brown or discoloured.

How do we use it in the kitchen?

Iceberg lettuce is an excellent base for salads, sandwiches and wraps, as well as for decorative serving. Its crunchy texture is perfect for combining with other softer ingredients. It is also popular in burgers, tacos and tortilla rolls.

Cooking is not recommended as the leaves quickly lose their characteristic crunchy texture when exposed to heat.

How to store after purchase?

Iceberg lettuce should be stored in the fridge, ideally in a sealed plastic bag or plastic box, where it will keep its freshness and crispness for up to a week. It is important not to wash it before storage, as moisture accelerates the deterioration process. Wash and drain immediately before use.

Interesting facts about iceberg lettuce

• Iceberg lettuce takes its name from the American method of transport, when it was shipped in wagons cooled with ice.
• Fast food chain McDonald’s was the first to roll out its use in burgers globally.
• The calorie content is extremely low, only about 14 kcal/100 grams.
• An excellent alternative to tortillas for making low-carb wraps.

Tips for using iceberg lettuce in the kitchen

• Use fresh, torn into larger pieces for salads or even in sandwiches.
• In salad mixes, combine with arugula, bird salad, tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers and light dressings.
• Chopped for tacos, it provides a refreshing, crunchy flavour.
• It can be made into a light, summery iceberg lettuce cream soup, typically served cold.
• Delicious and showy served with grilled meats or as a side dish.