Salad Greens
Iceberg Lettuce
Iceberg lettuce is by far the most popular variety
of lettuce in the United States. Its crisp leaves,
round shape, and tightly packed head make it easy
to pack and ship. These traits result in a relatively
long shelf life. Most of the head is comprised of
crisp pale green
leaves with a
mild, sweet,
refreshing
flavor.
Romaine Lettuce (Cos)
Romaine has leaves with crisp ribs that make it
sturdy and give this lettuce a distinctive crunch.
The crisp ribs are surrounded by tender leaves
which range in color from dark green outer leaves
to pale yellow inner leaves. It has an elongated
head with round-tipped
leaves. Quality heads
have tightly packed
leaves with few or
no blemishes on
the tips or rust on
the root end.
Escarole (Broad Leaf Endive)
Escarole is a loose, relatively crisp head with flat
leaves that have curly tips or edges. Leaves are
dark green at the tip to yellowish white at the base
and in the core of the head. A lettuce with a slight
bitter flavor, it is often prepared as a hot vegetable
in Italian cookery.
Curly Endive (Curly Chicory)
Curly endive has crisp ribs that create narrow
leaves with a curly edge. The outer leaves are
deep green with a pale yellow core. This bitter
green is usually served as part of a
mixture to provide
contrasting flavor
and texture.
Chapter 19 Salads and Dressings 303
(Continued)