Iceberg lettuce

Kat · #1 14th August 2009, 05:49 PM

Here's a questions I've wondered about for a long time, and have never bothered to ask, until now.

Iceberg lettuce: Why?

It's got no taste. It's got little to no nutritional value. So why is it the ubiquitous lettuce?

Is it like Red Delicious Apples, which used to have taste, but have been overbred and fussed with to the point where they no longer have any?

Does it grow everywhere and easily, so people just grew it, and assumed it had lots of nutritional value (because it's a vegetable) and once the truth came out, it already had an impenetrable hold on the lettuce niche?

Radical Edward · #2 14th August 2009, 05:52 PM

It's crunchy, and people have the idea that it's good for them. If you're on a diet, it's good for filler, I guess. The truth is that it's mostly water. Rabbit owners are warned against feeding it to their bunshines because it contains so little nutrients a rabbit can starve to death on it.

*hajario* · #3 14th August 2009, 05:56 PM

[Mod]Moved from JTF to Y2C[/Mod]

I hate iceberg lettuce. It should be abolished.

Kat · #4 14th August 2009, 05:59 PM

Hey, I wanted an actual answer about the history and establishment of iceberg lettuce as the norm!

*pouts* *holds breath* *passes out*

Salambo · #5 14th August 2009, 06:24 PM

It was Tolstoy who said a man can live and be healthy without killing animals for food; therefore, if he eats meat, he participates in taking animal life merely for the sake of his appetite. And so humankind turned guiltily and glumly to the humble head of iceberg lettuce. And then just as quickly ran back into the comforting, muscular arms of cows and sheep and finger-lickin' chicken, with the solemn vow to try harder to be good, and kind, and non-violent. More lettuce! Bring us the lettuce, and we'll feast!

But then that fucking chicken pulled out a switchblade, and had to be killed and et in self defense. That'll teach that violent motherfucker.

* - I am not an ethical vegetarian.

Clowns to the left of me · #6 14th August 2009, 06:26 PM

Kat...? KAT?!

Zombies! · #7 14th August 2009, 06:32 PM

I don't know why it's the norm (Possibly high-yield, low cost?), but I love iceberg lettuce.

I love the crunchiness and the iciness of a piece of fresh iceberg straight from the fridge. Other lettuces just do not have the same level of juicy crunchiness. Oh, they have their place. Cos lettuce, baby butter leaves, baby spinach (Not a lettuce, but used the same), nice in salads and various sandwiches... Where you want to taste the green. But iceberg? Iceberg exists, for me, as an edible replacement for a spoon when I feel like having dressing and dressing alone. Nobody looks at you oddly when you sit with a bottle of french or thousand island salad dressing and some iceberg lettuce. You're having a salad after all. When in reality, I'm just gorging on the dressing with a handy carrier.

Zeener Diode · #8 14th August 2009, 06:39 PM

It's a nice crunchy contrast to ordinary, nutritious green lettuce (leaf, spinach, arugula). I like slicing it up, and cabbage, and adding to my salad as a main meal. But by itself? No thank you.

Kat · #9 14th August 2009, 06:48 PM

When I want crunchy things in my salad, I put in cucumber slices and carrots. In fact, when I make my own salad (at home or at a salad bar), I don't put in any kind of lettuce at all. I'm weird that way.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wait...what?

Kat...? KAT?!

At least someone cares. Want to share this bottle of wine?

Uthrecht · #10 14th August 2009, 06:56 PM

Is there much nutritional difference between cucumbers and iceberg lettuce?

Zombies! · #11 14th August 2009, 07:01 PM

And here's where I get strange again.

I hate cucumber. Can't stand it. And carrots have a different crunch than lettuce. They're harder. More of a 'snap' than a crunch really.

Pansy · #12 14th August 2009, 07:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Uthrecht

Is there much nutritional difference between cucumbers and iceberg lettuce?

Who cares? Cukes are yummy and crunchy and able to become pickles, Iceberg lettuce is merely crunchy.

Kat · #13 14th August 2009, 07:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Uthrecht

Is there much nutritional difference between cucumbers and iceberg lettuce?

Let's see!

Cucumbers vs Iceberg Lettuce

Let's try one more place.

Cucumbers vs Iceberg Lettuce

Eh, not that much, I guess. But cucumbers taste better. Much much better.

Unless you're Zombies! Who is just a bizarre freak of nature or something. Because cucumbers are great.

Kat · #14 14th August 2009, 07:18 PM

Madpansy is my new best friend.

Pansy · #15 14th August 2009, 07:22 PM

Why, yes, I'd love a glass, thank you!

Zombies! · #16 14th August 2009, 07:37 PM

I am a bizarre freak of nature. Cucumbers and Peppers (Bell) I can't stand. Cooked or raw. I hate them.

And yet I love brussel sprouts. Go fig.

Pansy · #17 14th August 2009, 07:42 PM

Bell peppers are vile and nasty. Brussel sprouts are yummy.

You're a freak only because of the cuke-hate. Maybe. How do you feel about Cilantro?

timbicile · #18 14th August 2009, 07:48 PM

I feed the veggies to the animals I eat.

Zombies! · #19 14th August 2009, 07:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Madpansy

Bell peppers are vile and nasty. Brussel sprouts are yummy.

You're a freak only because of the cuke-hate. Maybe. How do you feel about Cilantro?

Super-taster

Tastes like horrible nastiness to me

Hunter Hawk · #20 14th August 2009, 07:52 PM

Recent article from Saveur.

Pansy · #21 14th August 2009, 07:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zombies!

Super-taster

Tastes like horrible nastiness to me

Okay. Yeah, sorry, you are a freak.

Darmund · #22 14th August 2009, 07:57 PM

Bell peppers are yummy, but cooked only. When they're raw I like the flavor but not the texture. I'm picky about texture. Can't stand cukes for that reason. Brussel sprouts are of the devil. Cilantro is sublime.

Oh yeah, and iceberg lettuce can just go fuck off and die. I'd rather eat newspaper.

Uthrecht · #23 14th August 2009, 08:04 PM

Oh crap, I forgot. This is a FOOD THREAD!

*digs foxhole and gets his cover on*

Swivels · #24 14th August 2009, 08:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Darmund

Bell peppers are yummy, but cooked only. When they're raw I like the flavor but not the texture. I'm picky about texture. Can't stand cukes for that reason. Brussel sprouts are of the devil. Cilantro is sublime.

Oh yeah, and iceberg lettuce can just go fuck off and die. I'd rather eat newspaper.

I'm the opposite, as far as bell peppers are concerned. I love them raw, can't stand the texture when they're cooked. I like cukes, too. However, you're 100% correct on everything else.

Clowns to the left of me · #25 14th August 2009, 08:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Madpansy

Why, yes, I'd love a glass, thank you!

Sigh.... turn your back for just a few minutes....

I haven't bought iceburg lettuce in years, though the description of it as a dressing delivery system was funny. Spinich, romaine, and napa cabbage are my favorite salad greens.

Red bell peppers are beautiful and tasty.

Zombies! · #26 14th August 2009, 10:46 PM

See, for cukes it may be a texture thing for me. I am big on textures, and something with a texture I don't like will put me off.

But capsicum (bell peppers) is just nasty, nasty, horrible nastiness and it distresses me that it's such a common ingredient, even in things where it should be. Seriously, if I'm buying a pre-packaged pasta such as carbonara or bolognaise, I shouldn't be having to scrutinise the ingredients list for stealth peppers!

Khampelf · #27 14th August 2009, 10:56 PM

I agree it's a texture thing, but iceberg really makes a sandwich.

For taste I use pickles.

Woo Hoo! Top eight, until Zombie posts again!.

Zombies! · #28 14th August 2009, 11:01 PM

If you like pickles, pickled beetroot makes a good addition to a sandwich, especially with a poultry protein on it.

Khampelf · #29 14th August 2009, 11:02 PM

Well, to thine own self beetroot.

Falcon · #30 15th August 2009, 12:24 AM

I googled the history of lettuce, and the rise of iceberg had to do with shipping. It held up better than leaf lettuces prior to refrigerated shipping. There is conflicting information out there, but this one seems like the most reliable and researched link:

http://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/ncnu02/v5-408.html

This link doesn't mention it, but other ones I read said that the name "iceberg" comes from how it was packed and shipped in ice.

Anyway, I loved iceberg lettuce as a kid, because of the crunch and the fact that it didn't taste too strong. Now, I never buy it. I do like it on fast food hamburgers, though. It just kind of goes with them.

Martini Enfield · #31 15th August 2009, 05:14 AM

I like Iceberg Lettuce. It's crunchy, it's crisp, it's tasty, and it goes with all sorts of meals. Other lettuces taste like, well, leaves. Iceberg Lettuce tastes like something that belongs on the dinner table, IMHO.

SoylentPopTart · #32 15th August 2009, 05:31 AM

I like iceberg lettuce. It's a texture thing. So it's great to have it on my sandwich. It's not bad in a salad but what I really like in my salad is spring mix with extra spinach leaves.
Romaine splits the difference pretty good. It has more flavor and almost as much texture.

D_Fenestrator · #33 15th August 2009, 08:20 AM

I never really liked lettuce; it's always been a dressing-delivery device for me. I suspect iceberg lettuce is so prevalent because it is bland and inoffensive in flavor. (I do agree that it has a great texture)

I know someone who is allergic to the stuff. I envy her. She can skip right to the tasty vegetables and not have to fight through the lettuce to get to them...

Islander · #34 15th August 2009, 11:18 AM

But what's a taco salad without shredded iceberg lettuce? Well?

Gotcha!

SharkB8 · #35 15th August 2009, 11:58 AM

Yay!!!! Finally! Yeah, tacos only..shredded...that's it...only.

D_Fenestrator · #36 15th August 2009, 02:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Islander

But what's a taco salad without shredded iceberg lettuce? Well?

Gotcha!

An improvement?

(d&r)

silenus · #37 16th August 2009, 06:53 PM

People who put beetroot on hamburgers aren't allowed to say anything about anybody's opinions in a food thread. Just sayin'.

Zombies! · #38 16th August 2009, 07:04 PM

I don't put beetroot on hamburgers. I put it on sandwiches. Generally only cheddar cheese sandwiches

Islander · #39 16th August 2009, 07:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zombies!

I don't put beetroot on hamburgers. I put it on sandwiches. Generally only cheddar cheese sandwiches

I was just about to say, Who in the name of Sam Hill would put such an abomination on a perfectly good hamburger? Thank Og the truth came out in the nick of time!

Still...beets 'n' cheese???

Martini Enfield · #40 16th August 2009, 09:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by silenus

People who put beetroot on hamburgers aren't allowed to say anything about anybody's opinions in a food thread. Just sayin'.

Spoken like someone who's never been to New Zealand or Australia.

I bet you hate Marmite too, you Communist!

Zeener Diode · #41 16th August 2009, 09:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Islander

But what's a taco salad without shredded iceberg lettuce? Well?

Gotcha!

You did! After all, who can speak against taco salads?

Zombies! · #42 16th August 2009, 11:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Islander

I was just about to say, Who in the name of Sam Hill would put such an abomination on a perfectly good hamburger? Thank Og the truth came out in the nick of time!

Still...beets 'n' cheese???

Pickled beetroot. We get beetroot in cans that's slightly pickled over here. Replace the sweet-ish liquid with vinegar, and you get a sweet & sour tasty addition to your cheddar cheese sangwidge.

DogMom · #43 17th August 2009, 05:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zombies!

Super-taster

Tastes like horrible nastiness to me

You're a super-taster and the sulfur taste in the Brussels Sprouts doesn't overwhelm you till your taste buds offer either to surrender or commit suicide?

FTR:
Super-taster
Brussels Sprouts are teh gross
Cucumbers are teh yum
And I lurvses raw spinach in as my salad base

Used to eat iceberg lettuce by the head as a snacky. Don't anymore, because I can chew on icecubes for free, tastes about the same.

Azhure · #44 18th August 2009, 08:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zombies!

And here's where I get strange again.
I hate cucumber. Can't stand it.

I dislike cucumber. If it's in my sandwich I'll usually eat it, but if there's too much I'll pull it out.

I really like iceberg lettuce. I don't like other 'fancy' lettuces that much, especially the ones which look like someone pulled some random leaves off weeds in the garden.

Islander · #45 19th August 2009, 07:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zeener Diode

You did! After all, who can speak against taco salads?

Christ on a carousel, that's not MY taco salad!

TACO SALAD, WITHOUT THE BUD LITE:
Lots of shredded lettuce
diced tomatoes
shredded cheese
chopped onion
ground beef, browned, de-greased, with a sprinkle of powdered taco or enchilada seasoning added
Doritos ranch chips added at last minute
sour cream, if you must

Dazzling White Diamonds · #46 19th August 2009, 09:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Salambo

But then that fucking chicken pulled out a switchblade, and had to be killed and et in self defense. That'll teach that violent motherfucker.

* - I am not an ethical vegetarian.

I think I love you.

The Cid · #47 20th August 2009, 08:05 AM

There's this guy I know who refuses to eat it on account of his antisemitism.

*Fenris* · #48 20th August 2009, 08:30 AM

Iceberg lettuce has a crisp sweet flavor if you eat it the right way.

If you shred it, yeah, there's no taste.

But if you take the lettuce, lop off the stem at the bottom and then cut the thing into quarters, give each person a quarter drizzled with bleu cheese (or french) dressing and eat by cutting vertically from the point to the "outside" part of the lettuce and eating a chunk of it at a time, you can really "get" the flavor. (It's called a "wedge salad" and was very "in" during the '50s.)

Missy2U · #49 26th August 2009, 06:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fenris

Iceberg lettuce has a crisp sweet flavor if you eat it the right way.

If you shred it, yeah, there's no taste.

But if you take the lettuce, lop off the stem at the bottom and then cut the thing into quarters, give each person a quarter drizzled with bleu cheese (or french) dressing and eat by cutting vertically from the point to the "outside" part of the lettuce and eating a chunk of it at a time, you can really "get" the flavor. (It's called a "wedge salad" and was very "in" during the '50s.)

I was with you until the dressing. Creamy garlic or green goddess is the way to go. Unless you're my husband then you drown everything in Thousand Island. Blech.

Agent Foxtrot · #50 26th August 2009, 08:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Khampelf

Well, to thine own self beetroot.

I should do horrible things to you for this.

I've wondered for years people's love affair with iceberg lettuce. I've had several friends say it's the best kind of lettuce. I've tried to introduce them to fresh romaine, but they won't even try it. Oh, well, their loss.

I guess people feel that whatever they grew up with is the best. Natch.