Now that summer is on its way, many of us will be turning to salads as a healthy option – but one problem is that lettuce goes off so quickly, sparking a race between your diet and your fridge
As the weather warms up and summer approaches, many people will be opting for salads and healthy eating to get in shape – and for those still trying to lose weight after Christmas, lettuce is a popular option. However, it has a short shelf life, prompting a race to eat it before it turns brown and wilts.
To address this, food storage experts have shared a tip to keep lettuce fresh and crisp for longer using tin foil. Also known as kitchen foil, it can help keep lettuce fresh for up to 30 days by regulating moisture and preventing air from spoiling the vegetable.
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According to Wheeldon Brothers, wrapping fresh lettuce in tin foil before refrigerating it can extend its shelf life by up to 30 days. They explained: “Wrapping freshly bought lettuce in tin foil before placing it in the fridge can extend its shelf life significantly – up to 30 days.
“This clever trick helps to regulate moisture and airflow, preventing those pesky brown spots that often plague salad greens.” Other salad staples can also benefit from storage hacks, reports the Express. Cucumbers should be stored in a plastic bag in a cool part of the kitchen, not the fridge, while spring onions should be placed in a glass with some water.
“When it comes to cucumbers, steer clear of the fridge. Instead, store them in a plastic bag with holes for ventilation, and place them in a cool spot in your kitchen to maintain their crispness.”
Another clever trick to keep your lettuce fresh is by popping it into a plastic container along with some paper towels. This method not only prevents air from attacking it, but the paper towel acts as a sponge, soaking up any excess moisture and keeping rot at bay.
All Recipes.com explains: “Even though the lettuce did last long past the best-by date, the paper towel doesn’t necessarily stop it from wilting or getting slimy.
“The main difference, however, is that the slimy lettuce isn’t coming into contact with a lot of pieces around it because the paper towel is trapping the wetness. Whereas, when you store lettuce right-side up, the slimy pieces on the bottom touch every piece around it and contaminate them in the process.”