by Caroline St Clare

Created on: August 04, 2008

Despite the trend for darker leaved lettuces, the iceberg, from the family of "crispheads" is still one of the most popular lettuces around the world.

According to the Economic Research Service, USDA, Americans consume more iceberg lettuce than any other variety, at around 22 pounds per person per year.

California produces about 72 percent of all icebergs grown in the United States (followed by Arizona at 25 percent).

Although slightly lacking in the nutrition department, the iceberg remains supreme. With a water content of 95%, nothing beats an iceberg lettuce for making a refreshingly crisp bed for a healthy salad on a hot summer day, or for adding the perfect crunch to a sandwich.

Its mild taste doesn't overpower any accompanying ingredients in the way some of the looseleaf lettuces have a tendency to do.

Storage

Iceberg lettuce will keep for up to a week in the vegetable compartment in your fridge. It's best to keep it wrapped in its plastic bag and ensure it remains dry, as wet lettuce will turn brown and spoil more quickly.

The following nutritional information is provided for vitamins and minerals where the amounts present per 100g are likely to be of some nutritional value.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION FOR ICEBERG LETTUCE

Calories: 14

This is one of iceberg's redeeming qualities. If you're on a diet, it's almost unsurpassed by any other food in the calorie department. You can eat mountains of the stuff and not gain weight. So get chomping.

Daily calorie recommendations differ for individuals, however, the average woman needs 2,000 calories and the average man 2,500 calories per day.

Carbohydrate: 3g

A very low source for carbohydrates, providing around 1% of the average daily requirements for adults.

It's recommended that 47% of our total daily calorie intake is made up of carbohydrates. Most of these should be obtained from complex carbs such as potatoes, wholewheat pasta, brown rice and wholewheat bread.

Carbohydrates are the most important energy fuel for our bodies. If we don't eat enough carbs, we can end up feeling lethargic. Carbs are also a great way to satisfy hunger.

Cholesterol: 0g

This is good news if you're watching your cholesterol levels.

We obtain about 20% of our cholesterol from food, while our liver manufactures the other 80%. A diet containing too much cholesterol can cause high levels of blood cholesterol leading to artery clogging and heart disease. The American Heart Association recommends we eat no more than 300mg of cholesterol per day.

Fat: 0g

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