
When you know how to wash lettuce and store it correctly, it can stay fresh for weeks!
It seems like when you buy a large amount of lettuce from the store, often times one of more of the heads of lettuces goes bad before you get a chance to use it. It can feel like a race against the clock to eat the lettuce before it all goes.
Well, let’s change that!
I buy mostly romaine lettuce as well as spinach. Spinach can also be washed and stored for several weeks. You can use these methods for any type of lettuce and get a similar result.
How to Wash Lettuce
- First, I cut the end off of the lettuce before I wash it.
- Soak the lettuce leaves for 2 minutes in a large bowl with a mixture of 10 cups of water and ¼ cup of distilled 5% white vinegar.
3. Rinse the leaves off to get any loose dirt or bugs that might still be on the leaves.
4. Lay the lettuce out on a towel to dry for a couple of hours. Flip them around once or twice during the drying time to make sure they are thoroughly dry on all sides.
5. After the lettuce leaves are completely dry, I store them in this glass container, which works can hold a full head of lettuce. Put a paper towel or cloth at the bottom of the container to collect the moisture before you put the lettuce in. I lay them down so any remaining water will drain off of the leaves. Look at them like they are umbrellas and not boats as you lay them in the containers.
Watch Me Wash Lettuce
Extra Lettuce Tips
- When I am trying to dry my lettuce I use this salad spinner. It speeds up the process, but for years I did it without a spinner so if you do not have one, that's okay. I also sometimes use the bowl from it if I need another container for washing on a busy produce washing day!
- I often get asked about if the water can be reused in the washing process. For some items it can, but when you are washing lettuce you'll be amazed at how much dirt comes off of it and my guess is that you will not want to reuse the water.
- There is no need to change out the paper towel after placing them in the container. It will collect some moisture but not enough to need to be changed. The lettuce will still remain fresh.
Fresh Salad Anytime
Taking a few minutes to wash lettuce and store it correctly is worth knowing that we have fresh lettuce anytime we want a salad. I prep our salad veggies as well, so they are always ready to go for a quick lunch. We store those in separate mason jars and you can learn more about that process here.
If you want full directions for washing and storing 75 produce items, be sure to check out my Zero Waste Produce Guide. This hardcover book has written directions for produce plus recipe inspiration, organizational tips, and more!
For more tips and tricks for washing and storing produce as well as saving money on groceries delivered right to your email, sign up for The Cross Legacy newsletter by clicking here.
DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links. Which means if you make a purchase through my links, I receive a small commission at no cost to you. For more information, please read my Disclaimer .
Leave a Comment