The nomenclature of this crisphead lettuce variety originates from a historical method of transportation and marketing. The term reflects a time when produce refrigeration was less advanced, and preserving freshness during long-distance shipping posed a significant challenge.
Its association with a frozen water formation stems from the practice of packing the lettuce heads in ice during transport. This practice effectively kept the produce cool and preserved its crisp texture, allowing it to travel across the country without spoiling. This innovative approach, crucial for its widespread availability, ultimately imprinted a lasting association with cold preservation in the public’s perception and, subsequently, its title.
