Lettuce is one of the most common salad greens around and it can be really disappointing when it starts to go slimy or wilt before you can use it – but one 10 minute task will keep it fresh for longer
Lettuce is a kitchen essential , whether you’re crafting a crisp salad or topping a succulent burger. Yet it’s annoying when it begins to wither or turn mushy before you get the chance to use it.
Few people understand that lettuce has a protective layer, similar to many other fruits or vegetables, making it more vulnerable to deterioration if you simply chuck it in the fridge.
When lettuce remains unwashed and exposed it can dehydrate and droop, but owing to its high water content it’s also more prone to becoming slimy or even developing mould if stored incorrectly.
However, Laura Fuentes, a culinary expert and author of five cookbooks, reveals it takes merely a few minutes to maintain lettuce freshness – and all you require is to give it a rinse and then store it alongside a paper towel, reports the Express.
How to prevent salads and lettuce becoming soggy
“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.”, said Laura.
It may seem odd to clean vegetables before you use them, but lettuce leaves can harbour bacteria and grime, which can accelerate mould development.
The white vinegar you use for salad dressings contains acetic acid, which possesses antimicrobial qualities that will eliminate harmful bacteria to help maintain lettuce freshness for considerably longer.
Simply pour one part white vinegar and three parts cold water into a bowl, then immerse your salad leaves for approximately three minutes. Ensure you only leave your lettuce leaves for under five minutes, as they’ll be thoroughly cleaned in just a few minutes and any longer risks them developing a vinegary flavour.
Next, use a salad spinner to dry the lettuce, but don’t fret if you haven’t got one as you can alternatively spread the leaves on a clean tea towel and pat them dry.
It’s absolutely crucial to ensure the lettuce is completely dry before storing it in the fridge, as any dampness will cause it to deteriorate and reduce its shelf life.
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Laura said: “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.”
Once the lettuce is dry, keep it in a covered container with a paper towel, which will absorb any surplus moisture from the salad leaves.
Lettuce holds plenty of water, which it easily releases, so storing it with a paper towel will maintain its freshness for up to 10 to 14 days.