It's a good idea to always wash lettuce and other green leafy vegetables before eating them. Regardless of the source (obtained from your home garden, local market, or supermarket), lettuce contains disease and debris that must be removed. While you can buy lettuce that has been washed, it doesn't taste the same or doesn't last as long as fresh lettuce. Before eating it, you can easily wash and dry the fresh lettuce in a few minutes.
Step
Part 1 of 2: Washing Lettuce
Step 1. Cut the roots that are on the lettuce leaves
Use a knife to cut off the lettuce roots and any creases. Separate the lettuce leaves by hand.
Be careful when using the knife so you don't get hurt. Be sure to keep your fingers away from the blade when cutting the lettuce
Step 2. Remove the core from the lettuce
Keep in mind that some types of lettuce are very tough.
Step 3. Fill a large bowl with cold water
Soak the lettuce in cold water. Stir the water vigorously. If you buy it from the local market, the lettuce may be dirtier than the one bought at the supermarket.
If you are drying lettuce, wash the lettuce leaves in the bowl and strainer of the dryer
Step 4. Check all the lettuce
When washing it, make sure to thoroughly inspect the entire lettuce. Open each leaf and examine the gaps between them. Gently bend the leaves and wash off with water. Also be sure to check the leaf area near the stem.
You can leave the lettuce whole to roast
Step 5. Let the dirt drop to the bottom of the bowl
Let the lettuce sit and allow the dirt to sink to the bottom of the bowl. After about 10 minutes, remove the lettuce from the water. Make sure that the lettuce doesn't get any dirt on the bottom of the bowl. Gently shake the lettuce to remove excess water from the leaves and place the lettuce on paper towels.
Part 2 of 2: Drying Lettuce
Step 1. Dry the lettuce in a tumble dryer
The easiest way to dry lettuce is to use a tumble dryer. After the leaves are washed, remove the colander containing the lettuce from the bowl. Drain the water in the bowl and place the strainer back into the bowl. Place the lid on the bowl and turn on the dryer.
Use the tumble dryer only to dry separated lettuce leaves, not whole lettuce
Step 2. Dry the lettuce with a towel
You can dry the lettuce by rolling it in a towel. Remove excess water from the leaves and place the lettuce on a towel. Roll up the towel (starting at the end closest to it). Gently press the lettuce as you roll it. If you press too hard, the leaves may be damaged. Then, remove the towel and the lettuce will dry.
Step 3. Shake the lettuce
Drain any water on the lettuce with a sieve. Cover the top of the filter with a towel (cover it around the edges so the towel doesn't come off). Shake the filter in the sink in all directions. After the leaves dry, remove the lettuce.
Step 4. Swing the lettuce around in a towel
Place a wet leaf of lettuce in the center of a clean towel or pillowcase. Lift all four ends together and twist the towel or pillowcase. Lift the ends with one hand and twist the towel a few times. This should be done outdoors or in the bathroom as the water may splatter.
Step 5. Save the lettuce
Place more lettuce leaves on paper towels. Roll the tissue over the lettuce. Place a paper towel filled with lettuce in a plastic bag and place it in the refrigerator. Lettuce will last for about 5-6 days.
Tips
- Drying a salad dryer is the fastest way to dry lettuce.
- Packaged lettuce labeled as washed does not have to be washed before use.
- Don't soak the lettuce for too long. Once the dirt is removed, remove the lettuce.
