How to keep lettuce fresh and prevent it from going bad quickly

THE lettuce It is a great ally of healthy diets and the protagonist of salads. Varieties such as Criolla, Mantecosa, Morada, Nasturtium and French are produced and sold throughout the year.

However, very few know this how to preserve it so that it is always fresh and lasts longer. For this reason, there are some practices that guarantee that the lettuce can remain in good condition and fresh for several days.

Its correct conservation is essential to consume it in its splendor and avoid waste.

How to keep lettuce fresh longer?

At the time of choose the lettuce plant It is essential to opt for those with crunchy leaves and a bright colour, green or purple, depending on the type. Wilted or spotted leaves could indicate that it is deteriorated or in poor condition. Then, the best tips for storing lettuce and as long as it is fresh and lasts longer.

1) Carry out correct cleaning and drying

Before placing the lettuce in the refrigerator, wash the leaves in cold water to remove dirt and residues and dry them carefully with kitchen paper or with a manual vegetable washer.

Excess moisture could contribute to the lettuce leaves losing their freshness. It is important to ensure that it is completely dry before storing it.

2) Store them properly in the refrigerator

Lettuce is very sensitive to cold, which is why it is important to store it in the vegetable drawer of the refrigerator. “Also, you must avoid letting the leaves touch the wall of the refrigerator, because the cold ruins them,” says SAIA, a food safety consultant.

3) Use airtight containers

To prolong the freshness of lettuce, store it clean, dry and in an airtight container in the refrigerator, with a couple of paper kitchen towels between the leaves. This avoids the accumulation of humidity which could accelerate the deterioration of the vegetable. “It is advisable to eliminate the leaves that are in poor condition, so that they do not ruin the rest,” explain the specialists.

4) Store the leaves whole

THE whole lettuce leaves they last longer. Experts advise not to cut or break them until you are ready to eat them, as cut leaves have more surface area exposed to the air and this could speed up decomposition.

It should be noted that more than 95% of a lettuce leaf is made up of water and contains only 1.4 grams of carbohydrates and 1.5 grams of fiber per 100 grams. It is a source of vitamin C and contains magnesium, as well as other mineral salts. Among its benefits, it helps eliminate toxins and purify the body.