In some cases, outbreaks have been traced to lettuce, but a specific type was not identified. Lettuce has been associated with a number of outbreaks and is linked to Escherichia coli O157:H7, Listeria monocytogenes, and Salmonella. Because this leafy green is a fresh, raw commodity, it is highly susceptible to contamination by foodborne pathogens and, therefore, remains at the top of the list of foodborne illness culprits. Iceberg lettuce, along with other varieties of lettuce used in salads, have caused about 22% or one-fifth of foodborne illnesses over the past decade. however, demand for romaine and loose-leaf lettuce has now surpassed that of iceberg.
Until recently, iceberg lettuce was the most popular variety of lettuce sold in the U.S. It is an essential cash crop for these states and is either sold in head form or processed into salad mixes. today, iceberg lettuce is grown as a cool-season crop that does particularly well in the desert climates of the Southwest during the winter months and along the central coastal regions of California during the rest of the year. Lettuce originally traveled to North America with early settlers bound for the New World, making it one of the oldest crops grown and cultivated in the United States. scariola, from which it likely originated, and it can now be found throughout the world. Today’s cultivated lettuce is similar to the wild lettuce variety, L. Although iceberg can be traced to the early 20 th century in the Americas, lettuce was found growing as a weed over 4,500 years ago in the Mediterranean region. Whole head iceberg is now shipped globally and has a shelf life of three to four weeks (cut lettuce has a shorter shelf life). industrial agriculture system during the mid-20 th century. It was developed to withstand the long journeys along the Trans-Atlantic Railroad and was a symbol of the expanding U.S. However, iceberg’s crisp quality and mild flavor makes it a good addition to salad blends containing other leafy greens with higher nutrient values.Ĭrisphead lettuce was shipped in ice-filled containers as early as the 1900s and was given the name “iceberg” as a result of that process. Because it is made up of about 95% water, crisphead lettuce nutritional content ranks the lowest among all lettuce types. sativa cultivars are all within Lactuca genus, which includes most other varieties of lettuce. Iceberg lettuce, also known as crisphead, is one of the six types of lettuce crops, which includes Romaine, loose-leaf, and butterhead, and it is one of the only types not available in a red varietal.
As a raw agricultural product with high moisture content and surface area, lettuce is susceptible to contamination.are Crispino, Great Lakes, Keeper, Ithaca, Maverick, and Raider. The main varieties of iceberg lettuce grown in the U.S.A crispy texture and neutral taste has made iceberg lettuce a popular addition to salad mixes, as it counterbalances the bitterness of many other types of lettuces.It is characterized by a tight head of crisp, light green leaves. Iceberg lettuce, also known as crisphead, has long been a popular type of lettuce sold in the United States.