Iceberg lettuce is one of the most popular types of lettuce because of its crunchy leaves and mild but fresh taste. The further cultivation of lettuce is visually reminiscent of cabbage. Even if it is occasionally read that the firm heads of lettuce do not have to be washed, we would still recommend this step, because this is the only way to reliably remove pesticides and any insects that have crawled into the iceberg lettuce.

Iceberg lettuce is best washed after the leaves have been separated

Step 1: Remove stalk

The stalk of the compact head can be cut out with a knife. It's easier, however, if you hit the iceberg lettuce, stem side down, firmly on the kitchen worktop. The inedible, hard part breaks out and can then be completely removed.

Step 2: Wash lettuce

In addition to a large sieve and a salad spinner, you will need a clean, dry kitchen towel.

  1. Since the stalk has already been removed, you can pull the leaves off the head one by one.
  2. The outer and wilted lettuce leaves are discarded.
  3. Separate the leaves and place them in the sink previously filled with cold water.
  4. Agitate lettuce to ensure each leaf is wetted and thoroughly cleaned.
  5. Don't put any pressure on the lettuce.
  6. Remove from the sink and drain in a colander.
  7. If necessary, repeat the process.
  8. Place the lettuce in the salad spinner and spin well to remove any water clinging to the leaves.
  9. If the lettuce is still too wet, you can dab individual leaves with the cloth.

Step 3: Break up the iceberg lettuce

If you don't want to use the leaves whole, you have to cut them up now. There are two different ways to do this:

  • You can halve the head of lettuce before washing and then cut into fine strips. In this case, it is washed after cutting.
  • It is better to pluck the already cleaned lettuce leaves into bite-sized pieces. With this variant, more plant juices are retained, as the leaves automatically divide along the leaf veins.

How is iceberg lettuce properly stored?

To keep the lettuce from rotting, remove it from the plastic wrapper and wrap it in a damp tea towel instead. Then place the head in the crisper of the refrigerator. It should not be crushed as this can result in brown spots.

tips

Because iceberg lettuce leaves are so crunchy, they stay fresher longer than many other types of lettuce. This makes this salad perfect as an ingredient for sandwiches. Laid on bread in the morning, iceberg lettuce still tastes delicious in the office even after many hours.

Category:

Vegetable garden