How to Refrigerate Red Leaf Lettuce

The type of lettuce you purchase determines the method by which you should store it. All lettuce should be stored in the refrigerator away from ethylene-producing fruits because these cause the leaves of lettuce to turn brown. Fruits that produce ethylene include apples, pears and bananas. Red leaf and other lettuces are best eaten within two to three days from the day that you purchase or pick it.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Wash your red leaf lettuce well in cold water. Then dry it thoroughly. If you have a salad spinner, that is the best way to dry the lettuce. If you do not have a spinner, you can dry it with a paper towel, or lay it out to dry naturally.

2. Tear your lettuce into bite-size pieces before storing if you want, that makes it quicker and easier when it comes time to make your salad. It is also fine to store the leaves whole if you prefer.

3. Place the red leaf lettuce in a paper bag. Another option is to wrap the lettuce in paper towels. Alternatively, you can choose to put the lettuce into a plastic zip-lock bag and remove all of the air. If you are going to store the lettuce in a plastic bag, place a paper towel in the bag to absorb any excess moisture.

4. Put the packaged lettuce into the vegetable crisper drawer of your refrigerator until you are ready to eat it.

Tips & Warnings

• If you use a salad spinner to dry your lettuce, you can also choose to store the lettuce in your refrigerator inside of your salad spinner. The outside portion of the spinner holds moisture, but the basket inside keeps the lettuce from making contact with the moisture, this keeps the lettuce humid, but not wet, for storage.

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