How to Keep Lettuce Fresh for Longer
Lettuce is an essential ingredient in any summer kitchen, whether you're preparing healthy salads or assembling burgers, but it can frequently prove a false economy as it wilts rapidly. If you've ever purchased lettuce only to find it limp and soggy within days, you're probably storing it incorrectly, as it will begin deteriorating quickly when left in plastic packaging.
That may sound peculiar, but supermarkets typically wrap lettuce in plastic because it traps moisture, helping to keep vegetables fresh during transportation. However, lettuce has a high water content, and when stored in plastic, all that surplus moisture can accumulate and cause it to decay.
The Paper Towel Solution
If you want to avoid wasting lettuce and economise a bit on your grocery shopping, then Karrie Truman, founder of Happy Money Saver, has revealed that lettuce will remain fresh considerably longer if you simply store it with paper towels. Kattie explained: "Moisture creates soggy lettuce. Wrap it in a dishtowel or paper towels before putting it back into a plastic bag."
Lettuce naturally releases water once it's been harvested, but most of the moisture should evaporate into the air, allowing it to stay fresh, reports the Express. When lettuce is stored in plastic wrap, it sits in water, which rapidly causes it to spoil and promotes bacteria and mould growth on the leaves. Paper towels will help preserve lettuce as they're highly absorbent and will soak up any extra moisture to keep it dry, preventing it from wilting.
Step-by-Step Guide
Removing lettuce from its plastic packaging and storing it alongside paper towels or a tea towel can keep it fresh for approximately seven to 10 days, and in certain instances up to a fortnight.
Firstly, ensure you are purchasing the freshest lettuce available at the supermarket. Rather than grabbing the first one you spot, select one from the back of the shelf and check whether there is any water inside the packaging. Once you arrive home, remove the lettuce from its original packaging and use paper towels to pat away any moisture clinging to the leaves. Next, wrap the lettuce in paper towels or a clean tea towel. You can place it back into the plastic bag, though leave it slightly open so that excess moisture can escape.
Alternatively, store the lettuce in a container alongside the towel, or place it directly in the fridge wrapped in the towel. When you are ready to eat the lettuce, rinse it in cold water, as this will help to rehydrate the leaves and make them considerably crisper. Ensure it is thoroughly dry, however, before returning it to the fridge. Your lettuce will retain its colour far longer than it ordinarily would, meaning you can enjoy this summer vegetable without the concern of unnecessary food waste.
