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Storing Lettuce |
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Tips and ideas for storing lettuce. Post yours below!
Paper Towels
Do you find that fresh spinach or lettuce goes bad before you can get it eaten? Try wrapping the item in a dry paper towel and then put it in a plastic ziploc bag before storing in the refrigerator. I've been using this method for years and it really does keep things from spoiling a lot longer. My Grandmother taught me this, years ago. I have used it to preserve fresh vegetables and fruits longer in the fridge.
By Josie from Homer, AK
Direct contact with plastic produce bags causes lettuce and parsley to go bad quickly. To preserve the life of leaf lettuce or parsley, try wrapping them in paper towels, then place them back into plastic bags and put them in the crisper.
By Nancy from Madison, WI
Tupperware
I put my lettuce into one of those tupperware lettuce bowls, then always put a fresh napkin or paper towel on top before sealing. Works really good.
By Dede
If you have a Tupperware bowl or storage container with a top. Wash your head lettuce under ht water, core it, drain it, and put in on a paper towel in the container. It remains crisp and fresh, not so sure if this works with leaf lettuce.
By Mary D.
I found out if I wrap my lettuce in paper towels in a Tupperware type bowl it will last a long time. The paper towels absorb the moisture. I live alone and have kept lettuce for 2 or more weeks.
By Brenda from Alabama
Foodsaver Lettuce Canister
I have a foodsaver and love the canister for lettuce. I can keep a head of lettuce for a month in it.
By John
Evert-Fresh Bags
I wrap stalk type lettuce (red leaf, romaine) in a couple of paper towels and store in an Evert-Fresh bag in the veggie crisper fridge drawer.
http://www.evertfresh.com
If the lettuce is too wet, I change the paper towels later. I buy the bags in the produce section of the grocery. First saw them at Whole Foods Market, and later on at other grocery stores. If you get some, get a larger bag rather than smaller, as some lettuces can be quite large. I use the large size bag. Been using these bags for quite a few years. Am happy with the results. As the bag is a light green, it makes it easier to spot the lettuce in a hurry. The Evert-Fresh bag lasts a long time. And the directions say to change it with each new head of lettuce, I don't. I just keep reusing the bag until it needs to be discarded. I wash the leaves right before using. I used to close the bag with a twist tie, but now I just place the paper towel wrapped lettuce in the bag, tuck under the open ends and place it in the crisper.
By Holly
Get Rid of Excess Moisture
When I buy romaine or leaf lettuce, I always take extra bags from the produce section of the grocery store. Since the lettuce is constantly getting sprayed throughout the day, when I get home, I take the lettuce (and I do this with everything that gets sprayed with water throughout the day,) I put it in colanders to drain off all the water. When I am sure that the stuff it dry, I put it in the plastic bags, and put it in the crisper of the refrigerator.
Alternatively, I sometimes use Tupperware Fridgesmart containers. These have buttons at the front which allow you to control the air flow into the containers. When I purchased these containers on E-bay, I was sent a chart that tells me what setting I need for various products. It works wonderfully, and keeps the produce for quite a long time, however, the draw back of these containers is that they do take up a lot of space in the refrigerator.
It's important to make sure that whenever storing produce, that you have made sure to get rid of all of the excess moisture and water. Failure to do so will result in rotting very quickly. I would also advise that people not wash the produce prior to storing, but rather that they wash it prior to using. It stays fresher that way. And if you wash it just prior to use, sometimes the cold water helps to freshen the stuff too.
By skbeal
Store lettuce with a paper towel and it will last longer. The paper towel will absorb moisture. If you are storing lettuce in a container, line the bottom of the container with a layer of paper towels.
I'm single, so I can't eat an entire bag of precut lettuce salad. After my first serving, I place two non-printed, white papertowels (don't want colored ink running into my salad) inside the bag. Then I store it upside down in the fridge so the towels are on the bottom. The next time I reach for salad, those two towels are wet and the lettuce leaves are pretty dry and rust free.
By ann
Don't Cut Lettuce with a Knife
Never cut lettuce with a knife and when you go to store it, place it in a airtight container, it will last longer that way.
By Sunshine
Use A Cloth Bag
Put the lettuce in damp paper towels and then a cloth bag. I bought a cloth bag specifically for keeping lettuce and it says to have the bag completely wet -- I don't do that, just be the towels are damp. My lettuce has stayed fresh up to ten days with great taste. If it is wilted, soak in cold or ice water for 10 minutes and you'll have "new" lettuce.
Ziplock Bags
I wash leaf lettuce in cold water, drain well, then store in a ziplock bag with a paper towel. Keeps the lettuce fresh for days.
By Brandy
Wash your lettuce and dry it on a towel. Once thoroughly dry, seal in a Ziplock bag. Do not store near apples, pears or bananas as the ethylene gas these fruits emit will help speed the ripening (and decay) process.
By Jennifer
Store In Cold Water
I read here once that you should wash your lettuce then place it in a bowl of cold water with a tight fitting lid. Keep it in the ice box. Your lettuce will stay crisp. When you use it, just take out what you want drain on a paper towel. Drain off water off of unused lettuce. And replace with fresh water. This holds true for other greens and salad fixens except tomatoes.
By madeline
Reuse Folgers Container For Lettuce
The large red plastic Folger's coffee cans make excellent storage for lettuce. They are good for other things too. Be sure to label the container. I especially love the handle on the container!
By Syd from Dunkirk, MD
Vege-Saver
There is a great product for keeping lettuce and other vegetables. Check out http://www.simplyorganicproducts.com and read about the Vege-Saver. I love mine!
By jcs523
Advice From Experts
You know it all depends on where the produce is coming from and how long it's spent in transit before we even buy it. My brother in law is a produce manager and he definitely said that wrapping veggies in paper towels does help keep it fresh longer. I do this with celery and it lasts a lot longer. I do not wash any veggies before they go in the fridge and you should never refrigerate tomatoes or wash them until serving.
By Debbie52
I have spent the last 30 years working in the food service industry and had the opportunity to witness repeatedly the effects of different methods of storing all types of produce. Lettuce is very sensitive to repeated small changes in temperature. Keeping it in a tupperware or the crisper drawer will help avoid the 2 or 3 degree changes that occurs when opening and closing your walk-in cooler or home refrigerator. I have used a insulated produce locker in my walk-in for years. I'm sold on it.
By Chef Lawrence
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RE: Storing Lettuce
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Post By Marie (Guest Post)
(10/13/2008)
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I soak a dishtowel in cold water and wrap my lettuce in it. Then I put the whole thing into a plastic grocery bag. I close it with a knot and put it in the veggie drawer in my fridge. Lettuce keeps close to 3 weeks
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RE: Storing Lettuce
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Post By lisa (Guest Post)
(04/03/2007)
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I store my lettuce in foil and just take it as I need it. I use iceberg lettuce whole. I don't know if it works on other types. To restore limp lettuce and celery, place in cold water with ice. I do this in the sink which is stainless steel.
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Request: Storing Lettuce
Does anyone know a way to keep lettuce and salad fresher, longer. I've tried the paper towel wrapping, but it doesn't seem to help.
Thank you in advance,
Jule61 from Zanesville, Ohio
Answers:
RE: Storing Lettuce
Put the lettuce in damp paper towels and then a cloth bag. I bought a cloth bag specifically for keeping lettuce and it says to have the bag completely wet -- I don't do that, just be the towels are damp. My lettuce has stayed fresh up to ten days with great taste. If it is wilted, soak in cold or ice water for 10 minutes and you'll have "new" lettuce. (06/05/2006)
By
RE: Storing Lettuce
I read here once that you should wash your lettuce then place it in a bowl of cold water with a tight fitting lid. Keep it in the ice box. Your lettuce will stay crisp. When you use it, just take out what you want drain on a paper towel. Drain off water off of unused lettuce. And replace with fresh water. This holds true for other greens and salad fixens except tomatoes. (06/06/2006)
By madeline
RE: Storing Lettuce
I heard to just rinse the lettuce the day you use it then store it between paper towels then wrap with plastic wrap (06/15/2006)
By miraclelady50
RE: Storing Lettuce
Well, it seems that just about everything has been suggested already. I can tell you that for myself, I put my lettuce (head or loose) in an air tight bowl with just maybe a tablespoon of water in the bottom. On head lettuce I take the core out and make sure the open part is next to the water. The bowl I have had a plastic disc that I put in the bottom so the lettuce isn't sitting directly in the water. On loose lettuce I put a damp paper towel in. It works for me!!! (07/31/2006)
By TonyaG
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Request: Storing Lettuce
| Store lettuce with a paper towel and it will last longer. The paper towel will absorb moisture. If you are storing lettuce in a container, line the bottom of the container with a layer of paper towels. |
| Feedback: |
| RE: Storing Lettuce |
05/11/2006 |
| I'm single, so I can't eat an entire bag of precut lettuce salad. After my first serving, I place two non-printed, white papertowels (don't want colored ink running into my salad) inside the bag. Then I store it upside down in the fridge so the towels are on the bottom. The next time I reach for salad, those two towels are wet and the lettuce leaves are pretty dry and rust free. |
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By ann (Guest Post)
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| RE: Storing Lettuce |
05/14/2006 |
| You know it all depends on where the produce is coming from and how long it's spent in transit before we even buy it. My brother in law is a produce manager and he definitely said that wrapping veggies in paper towels does help keep it fresh longer. I do this with celery and it lasts a lot longer. I do not wash any veggies before they go in the frig... and you should never refrigerate tomatoes or wash them till serving. |
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By Debbie52
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Report Spam or Abuse
Tips: Storing Lettuce
| Tips and ideas for storing lettuce. |
| Responses: |
| Tupperware |
07/01/2005 |
| If you have a Tupperware bowl or storage container with a top... Wash your HEAD lettuce under HOT water, core it, drain it, and put in on a paper towel in the container. It remains crisp and fresh, not so sure if this works with leaf lettuce. |
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By Mary D (Guest Post)
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| Ziplock Bag With Paper Towel |
07/01/2005 |
| I wash leaf lettuce in cold water, drain well, then store in a ziplock bag with a paper towel. Keeps the lettuce fresh for days. |
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By Brandy
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| Everfresh |
07/02/2005 |
| I wrap stalk type lettuce (red leaf, romaine) in a couple of paper towels and store in an evertfresh bag in the veggie crisper fridge drawer.
www.evertfresh.com
If the lettuce is too wet, I change the paper towels later.
I buy the bags in the produce section of the grocery. First saw them at Whole Foods Market, and later on at other grocery stores. If you get some, get a larger bag rather than smaller, as some lettuces can be quite large. I use the size large bag. Been using these bags for quite a few years. Am happy with the results. As the bag is a light green, it makes it easier to spot the lettuce in a hurry.
The evertfresh bag lasts a long time. And if the directions say to change it with each new head of lettuce, I don't. I just keep reusing the bag until it needs to be discarded. I wash the leaves right before using.
I used to close the bag with a twist tie, but now I just place the paper towel wrapped lettuce in the bag, tuck under the open ends and place it in the crisper. |
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By Holly (Guest Post)
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| Get Rid of Excess Moisture |
07/02/2005 |
| When I buy romaine or leaf lettuce, I always take extra bags from the produce section of the grocery store. Since the lettuce is constantly getting sprayed throughout the day, when I get home, I take the lettuce (and I do this with everything that gets sprayed with water throughout the day,) I put it in colanders to drain off all the water. When I am sure that the stuff it dry, I put it in the plastic bags, and put it in the crisper of the refrigerator.
Alternatively, I sometimes use Tupperware Fridgesmart containers. These have buttons at the front which allow you to control the air flow into the containers. When I purchased these containers on E-bay, I was sent a chart that tells me what setting I need for various products. It works wonderfully, and keeps the produce for quite a long time, however, the draw back of these containers is that they do take up a lot of space in the refrigerator.
It's important to make sure that whenever storing produce, that you have made sure to get rid of all of the excess moisture and water. Failure to do so will result in rotting very quickly. I would also advise that people not wash the produce prior to storing, but rather that they wash it prior to using. It stays fresher that way. And if you wash it just prior to use, sometimes the cold water helps to freshen the stuff too. |
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By skbeal
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| Storing Lettuce |
07/20/2005 |
| I found out if I wrap my lettuce in paper towels in a Tupperware type bowl it will last a long time. The paper towels absorb the moisture. I live alone and have kept lettuce for 2 or more weeks.
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By Brenda from Alabama
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| Ziplock Bags |
08/14/2005 |
| Question:
I would like to know tips for storing lettuce.
Answer:
Wash your lettuce and dry it on a towel. Once thoroughly dry, seal in a Ziplock bag. Do not store near apples, pears or bananas as the ethylene gas these fruits emit will help speed the ripening (and decay) process.
Jennifer A. Wickes is a freelance food writer, recipe developer and cookbook reviewer. She has written several eBooks, and has had numerous articles, reviews and recipes in printed publications, as well as on-line. She is working on her first cookbook. For more information about Jennifer or her work, please visit her home page:
http://home.comcast.net/~culinaryjen/Home.html |
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By Jennifer A. Wickes
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| Don't Cut Lettuce with a Knife |
10/23/2005 |
| Never cut lettuce with a knife and when you go to store it place it in a air tight container, it will last longer that way. |
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By Sunshine (Guest Post)
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| Vege-Saver |
01/26/2006 |
| There is a great product for keeping lettuce and other vegetables. Check out http://www.simplyorganicproducts.com and read about the Vege-Saver. I love mine! |
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By jcs523
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Report Spam or Abuse
Request: Storing Lettuce in Aluminum Foil
| I read somewhere, that storing lettuce in aluminum foil would keep the lettuce crisp and fresh a lot longer. Is this true and if not, what is the best method?
Sincerely,
Bob From New Jersey |
| Answers: |
| RE: Storing Lettuce |
08/15/2005 |
| I know the aluminum foil works for celery, not sure of the lettuce. I put my lettuce into one of those tupperware lettuce bowls, then always put a fresh napkin or paper towel on top before sealing. Works really good.
Dede |
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By Dede (Guest Post)
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| RE: Storing Lettuce |
08/15/2005 |
| It is celery that you wrap in foil to retain freshness. I have a foodsaver and love the canister for lettuce. I can keep a head of lettuce for a month in it. |
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By johnsonya@cox.net
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| RE: Storing Lettuce |
08/15/2005 |
| I know the aluminum foil works for celery, not sure of the lettuce. I put my lettuce into one of those tupperware lettuce bowls, then always put a fresh napkin or paper towel on top before sealing. Works really good. |
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By Dede (Guest Post)
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Report Spam or Abuse
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