It may seem like common sense to store lettuce and other leafy greens in the fridge after being bought, but there is a simple way to keep salads fresher for much longer
Kristin Marr, a cooking expert and founder of Live Simply, has explained that lettuce is one of the most “notorious” vegetables for spoiling too quickly as it is very delicate and needs the correct amount of moisture to keep fresh.
She said: “Greens need some moisture, but too much moisture is the enemy and will cause the greens to rot prematurely. This is why you don’t want to wash delicate greens in advance, only when you need them.”
Lettuce also needs airflow which is why it often spoils quickly as too much moisture can build up in its plastic packaging but the dry environment of the fridge can often cause it to wilt.
However, Kristin has an “easy” food storage method that takes five minutes but can help keep lettuce, kale, and spinach fresh for an extra week or even longer.
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Another way to keep lettuce fresh is by storing the leaves in a glass container along with a paper towel.
Glass can maintain a steady humidity inside the container which prevents lettuce from drying out and also is a nonreactive material, which means it does not absorb odors from food nearby like a plastic container would.
Both glass or a ziplock bag will also protect lettuce from being exposed to ethylene gas, a natural growth hormone emitted by certain fruit and vegetable which can cause foods to ripen at a faster rate.
Either method will keep your salads from spoiling, help you cut down on food waste and save you some grocery money.
Kristin said: “Each keeps lettuce, kale, and other greens fresh and crisp for at least a week in the fridge, and usually much longer!”
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