Tips and Tricks: How To Keep Lettuce Fresh

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So long, sogginess! Learn how to continue lettuce fresh with these tips and tricks. They'll get out you with crisp, crunchy lettuce every time.

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Soggy, slimy leaves. Lamentable, wilted lettuce. Just writing those words makes me cringe. Information technology's frustrating to waste food, and leafy greens tend to go bad chop-chop. A few days in the fridge and into the garbage they get.

Lettuce assistance (lamentable, I couldn't help myself!). These expert tips will keep your lettuce crisp and delicious for a week (or longer).

How to Wash Lettuce

There is more what meets the center hanging out on your lettuce leaves. Leaner, bugs, dirt and pesticides are only a few of the things that linger on lettuce. The best mode to remove these pesky germs? Wash them right off.

We recommend washing your lettuce right when you get habitation from the store so you don't forget. To launder lettuce, first pick through the pocketbook and remove whatsoever leaves that are damaged, wilted, damp or slimy. For caput lettuce, remove any outer leaves that await damaged. This limits the moisture left backside, extending the life of the remainder of the greens. And so, lightly rinse under water and pad with a paper towel or utilise a salad spinner to clean off your leaves.

Wondering if you should wash pre-washed lettuce? While there'due south no black or white answer on this one, we recommend washing information technology just to be on the safe side. Even if lettuce is pre-done, information technology doesn't mean in that location aren't any extra germs lying around.

How to Store Lettuce

Lettuce needs moisture and airflow to stay well-baked, but too much of either causes sad, wilted greens. Depending on how long you'd like to store your lettuce, you tin can choose to store it as a full caput of lettuce or individual lettuce leaves.

To shop a total head of lettuce, wrap in a damp paper towel and put the head within a plastic bag. Shop in the refrigerator.

If you're storing individual lettuce leaves, spin them dry after washing and place in a lettuce keeper in the refrigerator. A container is best to avert bruising and bacteria buildup. Yous tin can also use a plastic handbag if you keep a corner open up for airflow, or you can store them stemless and wrapped in a wet paper towel in your crisper drawer. Brand sure to add a few paper towels to absorb excess wet and replace the paper towels every few days if they become besides clammy.

Proceed in listen that even if you do everything right, your lettuce may wilt a bit. Well-baked it upwardly past soaking cut lettuce in ice water for a few minutes. Then, spin dry as you normally would. This is bully for slightly wilted lettuce.

You should besides proceed lettuce away from ethylene fruits (like pears, avocados, apples and tomatoes) because they release gas as they ripen, which causes other produce to age prematurely. Bookmark this storage produce guide to go along tabs on your other produce, too.

How Long Does Lettuce Last?

How long lettuce lasts depends on how information technology'south stored and which type of lettuce it is. Loose leaf lettuce can last seven to ten days when properly stored, but caput lettuce lasts much longer than that. Left intact and unwashed, head lettuce will concluding one to three weeks in the fridge. In comparison to other leafy greens, though, lettuce reigns every bit the long shelf life champion.

If you tin't recollect how long you've had your lettuce, remember this: When in doubt, toss it out—especially if information technology smells bad, looks gross or feels slimy.

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Can yous Freeze Lettuce?

If you're looking to keep your lettuce for even longer, consider freezing information technology. Yes, you actually can freeze lettuce!

We recommend freezing thicker lettuces, like romaine or butterhead. Proceed in mind that lettuce tends to lose some of its crispness and flavour when it freezes, so it's best to freeze lettuce for smoothies, soups and stews—not for recipes that rely on fresh lettuce leaves like salads. Same goes for other leafy greens like spinach and kale, which are great for freezing as well.

You can freeze lettuce one of 2 ways. One way is to freeze total lettuce leaves. To exercise so, carve up and rinse off lettuce leaves and dab excess water off with a paper towel. So, identify the leaves in an air-tight freezer bag. You can also freeze lettuce by pureeing it and freezing it in ice cube trays for liquid recipes like smoothies and soups. Lettuce tin can be frozen for up to 6 months.

Apply That Crisp Lettuce in These Poly peptide-Packed Salad Recipes

Asian Slaw with Steak

34 grams of protein per serving Main-dish salads are and so perfect for summertime, particularly this ane with its Asian-inspired dressing—my favorite'due south favorite flavor. The colorful slaw and juicy steak combo is super quick and wonderful for breezy weeknight dinners. —Roxanne Chan, Albany, California Get Recipe

Barbecue Pork Cobb Salad

35 grams of poly peptide per serving My lunchtime salad gets way more interesting topped with barbecue pork, cheddar cheese and flossy avocado. Information technology's as satisfying as it is scrumptious. —Shawn Carleton, San Diego, California

Grilled Steak Bruschetta Salad for 2

28 grams of protein per serving Burn up the grill for this tasty salad. The meat will exist done in a snap, leaving you more fourth dimension to bask the summer evening. —Devon Delaney, Princeton, New Jersey

Berry Chicken Salad

28 grams of protein per serving Bright berries and flossy goat cheese brand this one a winner! —Wendy Brawl, Battle Creek, Michigan

Cheeseburger Bowl

29 grams of protein per serving This recipe is a unique and lighter manner to enjoy an American summer staple. You tin besides make the dressing with ranch dressing, 1 tablespoon of yellow mustard and 1 tablespoon of ketchup. —Laurie Rogerson, Ellington, Connecticut

Double-Duty Chicken & Feta Spinach Salad

29 grams of protein per serving In my all-purpose salad, you can modify up the pasta, basics and cheese. If you lot accept tomatoes, leftover turkey or a fresh lemon to squeeze, go for it. —Donna Bardocz, Howell, Michigan

Turkey and Apple Arugula Salad

xxx grams of protein per serving This satisfying salad proves that turkey can be enjoyed exterior of the holidays. Peppery salad greens, sweet grapes and rich walnuts combine to create a flavor sensation. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada

Chicken & Onion Caesar Salad

31 grams of poly peptide per serving My Caesar with grilled chicken is a healthier alternative to heavy meat and potatoes dishes. Later on grilling the kabobs, nosotros serve them family unit style. —Melissa Adams, Tooele, Utah

Grilled Asian Chicken Pasta Salad

32 grams of poly peptide per serving This absurd noodle salad makes a great casual one-bowl dinner or a perfect dish for a potluck or buffet. —Sharon Tipton, Casselberry, Florida

Salmon & Feta Wilted Spinach Salad

32 grams of protein per serving My friend mentioned a Turkish salmon and couscous dish that sounded fantastic, then I started experimenting. I prefer this salad warm, but it'south besides tasty served cold. —Jeni Pittard, Statham, Georgia

Raspberry-Walnut Pork Salad

34 grams of protein per serving Raspberry, rosemary, Gorgonzola and walnuts combine to make a pork dish that's bursting with flavor. —Virginia Anthony, Jacksonville, Florida

Ginger-Cashew Chicken Salad

23 grams of protein per serving I revamped an Asian-style chicken salad recipe to create this gingery, crunchy salad. At present information technology'south a huge success when I serve it at ladies luncheons. —Shelly Gramer, Long Beach, California

Salmon and Spud Salad

34 grams of protein per serving I headed straight for the kitchen when I decided to pick upwards a healthier lifestyle. This salmon with veggies proves that smart choices can exist simple and satisfying. —Matthew Teixeira, Milton, Ontario

Chili-Rubbed Steak & Bread Salad

23 grams of protein per serving We love skirt steak in our house. To get in a meal, I created a ranch-inspired bread salad with the best flavor combinations - flossy, tangy, sweetness and fresh. — Devon Delaney, Westport, Connecticut

Quick Nicoise Salad

21 grams of poly peptide per serving Like the classic French salad Nicoise, I pack my salad with veggies, potatoes, tuna and eggs. Cooking the potatoes and beans together helps build it fast. —Valerie Belley, St. Louis, Missouri

Thai-Style Cobb Salad

23 grams of protein per serving This veggie salad is similar a mix of Cobb salad and my favorite summer rolls. If you accept leftover craven, toss it in. —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah

Grilled Jerk Shrimp Orzo Salad

25 grams of protein per serving The heat, seasonings and appearance of this colorful chief-dish salad are perfect for summer—or any time of twelvemonth that you want to summon memories of sunshine. —Eileen Budnyk, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida

Almond Chicken Salad

25 grams of protein per serving My mother used to prepare this craven salad with grapes and almonds for an evening meal during the hot summer months. It's my favorite of my mother's craven salad recipes. You can likewise serve it equally a delicious but quick luncheon or potluck dish. —Kathy Kittell, Lenexa, Kansas

Raspberry Pecan Chicken Salad

29 grams of poly peptide per serving I gave this sweetness-savory craven salad a piffling cypher with Chinese five-spice powder, which tastes a flake like pumpkin pie spice. Sprinkle some on roasted carrots for an awesome meal. —Lisa Renshaw, Kansas City, Missouri

Blackened Pork Caesar Salad

36 grams of protein per serving When I cook, the goal is to have enough leftovers for lunch the side by side day. This Caesar with pork has fantastic flavor even when the meat is chilled. —Penny Hedges, Dewdney, British Columbia

Asian Barbecue Chicken Slaw

27 grams of poly peptide per serving When it'due south springtime in the Southward, cabbage is plentiful and we use it. I of our favorite recipes is this combo of Asian slaw and barbecued chicken. Plus, information technology'south easy to halve or double the servings every bit needed. —Paula Todora, Maple Valley, Washington

Grilled Chicken Salad with Huckleberry Vinaigrette

24 grams of protein per serving We beloved adding grilled chicken to our salads in the summertime, but the real star here is the vinaigrette made with blueberry preserves and maple syrup. It goes nifty with a fresh baguette and a frosty drinking glass of minted lemonade. —Susan Gauthier, Falmouth, Maine

Easy Ground Beefiness Taco Salad

25 grams of protein per serving Every time I accept to bring a dish to a political party, friends ask for my taco salad. Even players on my son's football team ask for information technology. —Lori Buntrock, Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin

Northwest Salmon Salad

25 grams of poly peptide per serving I beloved that I can apply my favorite Northwest ingredients—fresh salmon, blueberries and hazelnuts—all in i recipe. The salmon and sour cream dressing are only as scrumptious in a sandwich. —Davis Clevenger, Dexter, Oregon

Swiss Cobb Salad

28 grams of protein per serving Topped with ham, roast beef, salary and other fixings, this hearty salad has an first-class alloy of flavors. A from-scratch vinaigrette adds the refreshing concluding touch. —Gustatory modality of Dwelling house Test Kitchen

Turkey Ramen Noodle Salad

21 grams of protein per serving My husband and I make this crawly salad together—he does the chopping. When we bring information technology to potlucks, we pack the ramen and almonds separately and toss them in right before it's fourth dimension to dish up. They stay nice and crunchy that way. —Kristen Pallant, Big Arm, Montana

Cool & Crunchy Craven Salad

22 grams of protein per serving When the conditions sizzles, get your chill on with a absurd chicken salad. Mine uses grapes, pecans and celery for that signature crunch. —Sarah Smiley, Bangor, Maine

Grilled Southwestern Steak Salad

30 grams of protein per serving Pasta salad loaded with steak, peppers and onions makes both my boyfriend and me happy. Plus, it's versatile! We serve information technology hot, room temperature or cold. —Yvonne Starlin, Westmoreland, Tennessee

Curried Chicken & Peach Salad

24 grams of poly peptide per serving This is a very healthy and simple salad to make; even my non-cooking married man can whip it together in minutes. We've served this to friends over the years, and they always enquire for the recipe. —Radelle Knappenberger, Oviedo, Florida

Shrimp & Nectarine Salad

23 grams of protein per serving For a cool salad on a hot summertime twenty-four hour period, I combine shrimp, corn, tomatoes and nectarines with a drizzle of tarragon dressing. We dear it chilled, just it's delectable served right away, also. —Mary Ann Lee, Clifton Park, New York

Salary Chicken Chopped Salad

35 grams of protein per serving Here's one of many reasons we love tomato plant season. Chopped salads are and then unproblematic and such a fantastic way to consume fresh. —Donna Marie Ryan, Topsfield, Massachusetts

Steak & New Spud Toss

31 grams of poly peptide per serving I normally utilize leftover barbecued steak to brand this fabulous main dish salad. It's pretty, as well, with the cerise pepper, green broccoli and white potatoes. —Deyanne Davies, Rossland, British Columbia

Sesame Craven Slaw Salad

25 grams of protein per serving I tasted many types of Asian craven salad in California. When I moved dorsum to Georgia, I wanted more. Here'south a gingery-sugariness recipe using wonton strips. —Michelle Mulrain, Evans, Georgia

Turkey Almond Salad

25 grams of protein per serving Our congregation was holding a luncheon at which I was helping, and we were supposed to use turkey left over from the church's Thanksgiving supper. Everyone liked this and then much that—at another church luncheon—nosotros cooked a turkey for the specific purpose of making my salad. —Donna Rear, Olds, Alberta

Craven Tostada Salad

25 grams of protein per serving If I don't accept any tostada shells on hand for this speedy salad, I only estrus taco shells, intermission them in half and lay them apartment on the plates. It works just too. Great Southwest flavor! —Edie DeSpain, Logan, Utah

Gingered Spaghetti Salad

26 grams of protein per serving We dearest this chilled craven salad chock with colorful veggies. Make it meatless past omitting the chicken and tossing in more edamame. —Cindy Heinbaugh, Aurora, Colorado

Spring Chicken and Pea Salad

23 grams of poly peptide per serving My endive, radicchio and chicken salad with a dash of mint jelly dressing makes a wonderful meal for a luncheon or light dinner. —Roxanne Chan, Albany, California

Grilled Pork Noodle Salad

27 grams of protein per serving The simply complex thing about this easy salad is the flavour! With smoky barbecued pork and a variety of fresh herbs and vegetables, this is a comforting and tasty home-cooked meal. —Rosalyn Nguyen, Astoria, New York

Orangish Chicken Spinach Salad

34 grams of protein per serving For a salad with refreshing color and crunch, we toss chicken and spinach with mandarin oranges and red onion, so splash everything with a tangy vinaigrette. —Jean Murawski, Grosse Pointe Park, Michigan

Salmon & Spinach Salad with Avocado

23 grams of protein per serving We eat a power salad packed with salmon and spinach at least in one case a calendar week. It's a cinch to brand, even subsequently a hard twenty-four hours'southward work. —Jenny Dawson, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin

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Source: https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/tips-tricks-keep-lettuce-fresh/

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