How to Clean and Crisp Salad Greens
Submerge your greens in a large bowl of cold water, swish them around to release any grit, then lift them out by hand. Spin or pat the leaves completely dry; moisture left on the surface prevents dressing from clinging and accelerates wilting in the fridge.
Water is the enemy of shelf life
The secret to a crisp salad is removing every drop of surface moisture after washing. Only wash what you plan to use, or the greens will turn to mush within twenty-four hours.
- Large mixing bowl
- Salad spinner
- Lint-free kitchen towels
What goes in.
- 1 headLettuce or bunch of leafy greens
Removing the grit
Always lift the greens out of the water rather than draining the bowl through a colander. If you drain, the dirt simply settles back onto the leaves; lifting leaves the grit at the bottom of the bowl.
The method.
Separate the leaves
Break apart the head of lettuce and remove any damaged or brown outer leaves.
Submerge and agitate
Fill your large bowl with cold tap water. Dunk the leaves and swish them vigorously with your hands for 30 seconds.
Lift and transfer
Lift the greens out of the water by hand and place them directly into the basket of your salad spinner. If the water looks murky, dump it, refill, and repeat.
Spin dry
Spin the greens until no more water is being ejected from the leaves. If you don't have a spinner, spread the leaves in a single layer on a clean kitchen towel and roll them up gently to absorb the excess moisture.
When it doesn't go to plan.
Use the coldest water you can get from the tap; it helps perk up wilted leaves.
If your greens are very limp, a 15-minute ice-water bath can bring them back to life before you spin them dry.
Store washed greens in a container lined with a dry paper towel to soak up any remaining humidity.
The ones that keep coming up.
Should I wash greens before putting them in the fridge?
No. Moisture is the primary cause of decay. Wait to wash until you are ready to prepare your meal.
What if I don't have a salad spinner?
Use a clean pillowcase. Place the washed greens inside, tie it shut, and swing it carefully in a circle outside or over the sink to use centrifugal force.
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