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Identity & Botany
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Canonical name | Iceberg Lettuce |
| Scientific name | Lactuca sativa |
| Family / Genus | Asteraceae / — |
| Produce category | Leafy Green |
| Produce subcategory | Head Lettuce |
| FSMA 204 covered? | No |
| PLU — conventional | 4065 |
| PLU — organic | 94065 |
| AGROVOC URI | c_4297 |
Source: GDF v2.1.1 s01_identity. External: FAO AGROVOC.
Varieties
Estimated commercial varieties: 75.
| Variety | Market share | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Salinas | 30% | A leading commercial variety known for its large, firm, dense heads and excellent heat tolerance. Widely adapted and a standard for shipping quality. |
| Great Lakes 118 | 25% | A classic and foundational iceberg variety, known for its large, crisp heads and reliability across various growing conditions. Many modern varieties are derived from its genetics. |
| Vanguard | 15% | Popular for its strong disease resistance (e.g., to downy mildew) and good yield. Produces firm, well-formed heads and is widely adapted. |
| Empire | 10% | Produces large, very firm, and dense heads. A reliable performer in various climates, offering good uniformity and quality. |
| Summertime | 7% | Bred for excellent heat tolerance and slow bolting, making it ideal for summer production. Forms firm, crisp heads even in warm conditions. |
| Mesa 659 | 5% | Another heat-tolerant variety, producing large, firm heads. It’s a good choice for warm-season growing and offers good field performance. |
| Crispino | 4% | A modern hybrid known for its extremely firm and dense heads, making it excellent for both fresh market and processing. Offers good disease resistance. |
Source: GDF v2.1.1 s04_varieties.variety_summaries.
Post-Harvest Handling
Temperature
- Chilling injury threshold: null°F.
- Freezing point: 31.1°F. Hard limit.
- Handling urgency: 4 / 5.
Ethylene
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Production class | very_low |
| Production rate (20°C) | 0.05 µL/kg·h typical (0.01–0.1) |
| Sensitivity class | high |
| Sensitivity threshold | 0.1 ppm |
| Climacteric? | No |
Agent note: Store separately from ethylene-producing commodities.
Mixed-load compatibility
Ethylene-sensitive, high water content, avoid strong odors
Operational flags
- Can be top-iced? Yes
- Light-sensitive? No
Source: GDF v2.1.1 s07_harvest_post_harvest.
Market Intelligence
Demand
Slightly declining, losing share to other lettuce types like Romaine and leaf varieties, but remains a staple in foodservice and retail.
Elasticity
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Price elasticity | -0.8 |
| Income elasticity | 0.3 |
| Organic premium elasticity | -1.2 |
Market share by variety
| Variety | Share |
|---|---|
| Iceberg | 35% |
| Romaine | 30% |
| Leaf (Green/Red/Butter) | 25% |
| Other | 10% |
Pack sizes
- 24-count carton (heads)
- 30-lb carton (shredded)
- 5-lb bags (shredded)
- 10-oz clamshells
Source: GDF v2.1.1 s09_market_intelligence.
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