You can enjoy a fresh, crisp salad without having to worry about the lettuce going limp with this easy trick.
Lettuce is an essential ingredient for salads and other uses but it’s maddening when it turns brown and wilts prematurely.
Leafy greens frequently deteriorate before their use-by date due to their high water content, causing them to shed moisture rapidly after harvesting.
Unlike other vegetables, lettuce lacks a protective thick skin, meaning it dehydrates more quickly and becomes easily contaminated with bacteria, which accelerates its decomposition.
However, Dan Holt, a produce specialist from Hitchcock Farms, has revealed a remarkably straightforward method to maintain lettuce freshness for up to a month longer by storing it with aluminium foil, reports the Express.
Dan explained: “If you’ve ever wondered ‘Does wrapping lettuce in foil keep it fresh?’ you have to try this trick. It can keep romaine lettuce crisp for as long as 30 days.”
“Simply wrap individual heads or hearts tightly in aluminium foil. Remove as many crispy leaves as you need for a recipe, and re-bundle the remaining lettuce.”
Aluminium foil is constructed from material that helps lettuce preserve more of its moisture whilst still permitting sufficient airflow to prevent condensation, which can create a humid environment that promotes mould.
It will maintain lettuce hydration so it doesn’t dehydrate but will also serve as a shield to protect against mould spores, bacteria and any ethylene gas present in the fridge. Certain fruits and vegetables produce ethylene gas, which aids in their ripening and flavour development.
However, when too much of this gas accumulates in a closed environment, it can cause other produce, like lettuce, to spoil.
How to store lettuce properly to keep it fresh
Firstly, rinse the lettuce leaves in cold water. This step helps to get rid of any dirt and bacteria that could speed up the spoiling process.
Next, dry the lettuce using a salad spinner or pat it dry with a clean tea towel. Ensure it’s thoroughly dried and there are no water droplets left on the leaves.
Lay out your tin foil, place some paper towels on it, and then loosely wrap the lettuce in the foil.
Lettuce naturally releases a lot of water, and the paper towels will absorb the excess moisture, maintaining the right humidity level to prevent the lettuce from drying out or becoming mouldy.
Store the wrapped lettuce in the crisper drawer, and it should stay fresh for at least a month. If it starts to shrivel up, don’t worry, it’s quite easy to prevent it from spoiling.
Dan advised: “Before you throw out that sad head, try rescuing it with an ice-water bath. Completely submerge the lettuce, leave it in the water for five minutes, and then pat dry.
“This is often enough to shock the leaves back into shape so that you can use the lettuce for a few more dishes.”
You’ll be able to savour a fresh, crunchy salad whenever you fancy, taking full advantage of the sunny weather without fretting over your greens going off in your fridge and spoiling a picnic.