How to Keep Lettuce From Turning Brown so Fast

It seems that it's harder and harder to find a good head of lettuce. With the rising cost of produce, it's important than ever. Not to mention the pain of having to pick off the wilted, and search throughout the entire head of lettuce for nice green bits. Seeking out the freshest possible head of lettuce, with a few more techniques can add life to lettuce. It can also help save some nutrients as well.

Instructions

1. When selecting a head of lettuce from the bin, try to find the stem that is lightest in color. A stem that has already wilted, has some brown or a lot of brown is older than that of a healthy looking one. If the stem has brown on it, the leafs have already started losing some nutritional value.

2. Once you get your lettuce home and wash it. If it's iceberg, bang the stem against a hard, clean surface. Now pull it off. It should pop right off. Discard it.

3. When using the lettuce either use it by a whole leaf for a sandwich. If it needs to be cut up, use a plastic knife. Stainless steel knives cause the lettuce to turn brown.

4. When storing lettuce, wrap it in plain white paper towels or a white dishcloth. Towels with dyes can actually enter the food for consumption. Always store lettuce in the refrigerator.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure you store lettuce in the fridge.

• Use clean plain white paper or cloth towels.

• Wash lettuce before consumption.