Lettuce can go off quickly if it is not stored properly, but it can last up to 10 days longer if you store it with one simple item – and it is already in your kitchen
Lettuce is a summer kitchen staple, whether you’re whipping up a fresh salad or topping a juicy burger. However, it can be quite annoying when it begins to wilt or become soggy before you’ve had the chance to use it.
Few people are aware that lettuce, like many fruits and vegetables, has a protective skin, making it more prone to spoilage if simply tossed in the fridge. If left unwashed and uncovered, lettuce can dry out and wilt due to its high water content, but it’s also likely to turn slimy or even mouldy if not stored correctly.
But according to Laura Fuentes, a food expert and author of five cookbooks, keeping lettuce fresh takes just a few minutes – all you need to do is give it a wash and store it with a paper towel.
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How to prevent salads and lettuce from becoming soggy in the fridge
“You’ll use a vinegar & water mixture in a salad spinner to mix and spin in order to wash the lettuce. After spinning, let it soak and then rinse thoroughly.”, reports the Express.
It may seem odd to wash vegetables before you need them, but lettuce leaves can harbour bacteria and dirt, which can accelerate mould growth.
The white vinegar used for salad dressings contains acetic acid, which has antimicrobial properties that kill harmful bacteria, helping to keep lettuce fresh for much longer.
All you need to do is mix one part white vinegar with three parts cold water in a bowl, and then soak your salad leaves for about three minutes.
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When washing lettuce, be sure to rinse the leaves for under five minutes to prevent a vinegary taste. Afterwards, use a salad spinner to dry the leaves, or alternatively, spread them on a clean tea towel and gently pat them dry.
It’s crucial to remove all moisture from the lettuce before refrigerating it, as any dampness will cause it to spoil quickly. To store, lay the dry leaves in a zip-top bag with a paper towel or a lidded container, allowing the paper towel to absorb excess moisture.
Since lettuce has a high water content, this method can help keep it fresh for 10 to 14 days. As Laura advises: “Lay the lettuce leaves out on a clean dish towel until completely dry then store in a zip bag with a paper towel in the fridge.”