The proper way to wash lettuce greens (plus how to store them)

For you fresh vegetables lovers, you are certainly familiar with lettuce. Yes, this green vegetable is often eaten raw as a companion to eating chicken pecel, hodgepodge, or pickles. However, vegetables that are eaten raw must be washed in an appropriate manner to prevent the risk of contamination by disease-causing bacteria and pesticide residues that can endanger health.

So, is it true that you have been washing lettuce so far? Come on, find out the steps in the following review.

The right steps for washing lettuce

No matter where you buy lettuce, be it at the market or supermarket, dirt and pesticide residue can still be stuck on, so it still needs to be cleaned properly. Well, how to wash lettuce leaves is as follows.

1. Wash your hands thoroughly using soap and warm water, at least 20 seconds before handling food items. Remember, dirty hands are the most common source of bacterial contamination.
2. If you buy whole lettuce, cut off the roots, tough stems, and wilted parts of the leaves with a clean knife.
3. Wash the leaves under running water to loosen any residue of dirt and pesticides that may still be stuck.
4. Gently rub each leaf, from the front and back. to remove the remaining pesticide that is still attached. Do not wash with soap because the risk of soap residue being left on the leaves is very large and can contaminate the vegetables.
5. Examine the entire leaf surface, especially in the leaf area near the stem. Usually, this part is often overlooked and leaves dirt or dirt still attached.
6. When you feel it is clean enough, gently pat the leaves to remove any remaining water. Drain the lettuce leaves in the colander for 5 to 10 minutes before storing.

To prevent the lettuce from wilting quickly, avoid using a metal knife when cutting the roots and tough stems of the lettuce. Use a plastic knife or hand to delay the browning that is common in vegetables.

So, how do you store lettuce so that it is durable and long lasting?

Source: www.livestrong.com

Reporting from Livestrong, properly washed and stored lettuce can last up to seven days in the refrigerator.

Well, the right way to store lettuce is as follows:

1. Make sure the lettuce has been washed, see the method above.
2. Tumble dry or pat the leaves dry with a clean towel. Make sure the whole lettuce is thoroughly dry to keep it moist.
3. Place the lettuce leaves on paper towels so that they cover all of them, then roll them up neatly.
4. Place the tissue roll filled with lettuce in a clear plastic bag.
5. Store in a vegetable rack in the refrigerator with a temperature approaching 0 degrees Celsius.
6. The lettuce will last for 5 to 10 days.

Not only for lettuce, you can also do this method for other types of green vegetables, such as cabbage, spinach, mustard greens, and so on. After washing and storing lettuce properly, then you can process lettuce into a healthier dish for the family.

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