Proper storage can maximize the shelf life of fresh-picked lettuce.
Fresh lettuce may come out of the ground crisp and ready to eat, but with a nearly 95 percent water content, it can wilt in a matter of a few days without proper storage. If you have loose-leaf lettuce, you can pick healthy leaves and rinse them prior to using. However, if you are harvesting a whole head of mature, loose-leaf lettuce or are growing head lettuce, such as butterhead, romaine or iceberg, there are ways to maximize the freshness of lettuce.
Instructions
1. Harvest the outer leaves of the or separate the leaves of the head lettuce you plan on storing.
2. Discard any leaves with wilt or rot on them.
3. Soak the leaves in an ice bath in a clean sink for five to 15 minutes.
4. Drain sink and rinse off each leaf under cold water to remove clinging dirt.
5. Dry the leaves in a salad spinner, making sure not to pack them too tightly.
6. Lay a 2-foot sheet of plastic wrap or two connected paper towels on counter. Place dried lettuce leaves on top and then wrap the plastic or paper towels around the leaves.
7. Put the wrapped leaves in a gallon-sized plastic bag.
8. Squeeze out any air left in the bag and then seal.
9. Place the plastic bag of lettuce leaves in the coldest part of your refrigerator. This is usually on the top shelf, against the rear wall.
Tags: loose-leaf lettuce, head lettuce, lettuce leaves, paper towels