The advice to clean the lettuce before eating it and eliminate the bacteria

Inevitable in the classic mixed salad, together with tomato and onion, Lettucewhether native or nasturtium, completely green or with purple leaves, it is one of the most consumed vegetables in the world.

Especially for those who want to stay on track because lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) provides only 13 kcal per 100 g and is also low in carbohydrates (1 g per 100 g); protein (1.1 g) and fat (0.2 g). On the other hand it contains a lot water and provides vitamin C and flavonoids.

However, its leaves, in addition to traces of soil and pesticides, may contain bacteria (Salmonella and E. coli) that cause gastroenteritis. Therefore, before consuming it, it is necessary clean it very carefully.

The advice to clean the lettuce before eating it and eliminate the bacteria

Before reaching the supermarket shelf or the local greengrocer, lettuce goes through various stages of handling, transport and storage. During this process you can become contaminated with bacteriawarns the Manual on hygienic food handling.

To take less risk, choose good quality lettuce. That is, the one with fresh leaves (avoid those with discolored, wilted or spotted leaves). Also remember that the sheets are coloured more intense green those that contain more vitamins and minerals.

From the blog Cleanipedia, by Unilever, explains how to wash lettuce with water, carefully. First clean the kitchen sink and wash your hands too. After choosing only the leaves to consume, you need to separate them and place them in a clean sink or in a container filled with cold water.

leave the leaves soak for about five minutes (not much more to prevent them from losing consistency), drain the water and rinse each leaf under the jet of tap water. A somewhat tedious task but which guarantees better cleaning.

To guarantee yours preservation and freshness, the leaves must be very dry. To do this, use a salad spinner or paper towels. This will prevent the survival of moisture-loving bacteria.

On this home advice site they also recommend disinfecting lettuce with White vinegar (antimicrobial). To do this, mix 250 ml of water and 250 ml of vinegar. Separate the leaves to consume and place them in the kitchen sink or in a container with the mixture. Let it rest for five to ten minutes.

Some people resort to commercial chlorine to eliminate bacteria from lettuce. however, the Centers for Disease Control and Preventionthe US National Public Health Agency advises against the use of this and other types of disinfectants for this task because risks What it could mean for your health.