Tips For Keeping Lettuce Fresh For Longer
Lettuce is one of the most versatile and healthy vegetables that is used in the preparation of multiple salads and recipes. However, its leaves can be damaged quickly if it is not treated properly at home. Therefore, in this article we will give you some tips to keep lettuce fresh for longer.
Like other green leaves, such as spinach, coriander or arugula, lettuce is usually eaten raw. Therefore, by not undergoing a cooking process it is easier for it to store bacteria, dirt and insects that can cause intestinal infections.
Information from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates that the most common microorganisms that cause diseases transmitted by green leafy vegetables are norovirus and E. Coli bacteria. For this reason, it is essential to always carry out a thorough cleaning and disinfection process to preserve the lettuces in good condition.
What happens when we keep lettuce for several days in the fridge?
The refrigerator is an ideal place to keep lettuce in good condition. However, some recommendations should be followed to optimize the conservation of this vegetable.
First of all, it is important to put it in the crisper drawer or in the front, because if it is left behind or in the freezer the leaves can burn or wilt.
Also, do not mix it with fruits or other vegetables such as tomatoes or apples, as together they can spoil more quickly. The best recommendation is to keep it alone in a bag in the fridge. Also, putting kitchen paper between its sheets can help it not preserve too much moisture.
What happens if lettuce is stored in a bag?
Bagged lettuce is usually washed and sanitized and keeps very well in its container for up to a week if it is not opened. Its type of packaging does not allow air flow.
However, once the bag is opened, it is very important to consume it in a short time. In addition, this type of lettuce requires not cutting its cold chain and keeping it at about 4 degrees Celsius.
Tips and Methods to Keep Lettuce Fresh Longer
We are going to give you some tips for the home that you can apply to keep the lettuce fresh for longer. These are related to the time of purchase and the care that must be taken at home when arriving with the product.
1. Buy the greenest lettuces
It is important that you choose the best lettuces from the grocery store. If you notice that it has withered edges, you should consume it in a short time, as this is an indicator that it is not fresh. If you still decide to buy it, it is best to remove the damaged parts before storing it.
2. Store the whole leaves, so you will keep the lettuce fresh for longer.
Whole leaves keep better than cut pieces. Therefore, it is preferable that the warehouses are complete and cut only before serving.
If you’re cutting them anyway, do so with your hand or ceramic knives, as steel can make the blades rust more easily. In large leaf lettuces, such as romaine or red, you can cut the trunk.
However, it is best not to try it with the small leaves, such as butter lettuce or Tudela buds. But do not throw these logs in the trash, because with a few simple tricks you could regenerate them.
3. Dry the lettuce very well with kitchen paper
Leaving lettuce wet is one of the most common mistakes that causes it to rot or wilt. Therefore, it is very important that after washing you shake it very well to remove excess water and then dry it with kitchen paper towels.
Make sure there are no hidden little droplets. Leaving a sheet of paper to cover the leaves can help keep your lettuce fresh longer.
4. Store in a sealed plastic container to keep the lettuce fresh.
An investigation from the University of Santa Catarina (Brazil), which evaluated the best conservation techniques for hydroponic lettuces, found that those packed in closed and refrigerated plastic containers were better preserved, even after 20 days of storage.
He also found that the ideal storage temperature was 5 degrees Celsius. Therefore, you can use a plastic container with a lid to store it in the fridge. Make sure it has some air space.
5. Wrap them in aluminum foil
Another tip to preserve lettuce is to wrap it in aluminum foil. You must first wash and dry it very well. For this process you can use a little food bleach.
Then, you should wrap it in aluminum foil without leaving any open spaces. You can even put the leaves in portions. Thus, you will only have to uncover the ones that you are going to use every day.
Keeping lettuce fresh depends on the variety
As we have pointed out in the article, cleaning and storage is essential to keep the lettuce fresh for longer. However, you should also know that its duration largely depends on the variety of the vegetable.
The romaine lettuce lasts about 10 days, the butter and the red one around 5, the iceberg or crisp about 2 weeks. Keep it in mind when you make your purchase.
