Lettuce and other leafy vegetables should always be washed before eating. Whatever the origin, the vegetable garden, the farmer's market or the supermarket, the salad could carry bacteria and cause food poisoning, as well as still being dirty with earth. Lettuce can also be purchased in a pre-washed bag, but it is generally less tasty and does not last long. It only takes a few minutes to wash and dry fresh lettuce leaves.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Wash the Lettuce
Step 1. Remove the root with a knife
Before starting, you can remove the outer leaves with your hands, especially if they look wilted. At this point, remove the root with the knife, then separate the individual leaves with your hands.
Be careful when using the knife to avoid accidentally cutting yourself. Protect your fingers by keeping them away from the blade
Step 2. If you have chosen iceberg lettuce, it is best to also remove the central part of the head which is usually harder
First, cut the clump in half lengthwise, then remove the center core on both sides with a sharp knife. At this point, separate the individual lettuce leaves with your hands; consider that in some cases they can be very compact and therefore difficult to divide.
Step 3. Fill a large bowl with cold water
Soak the lettuce leaves in plenty of water, then swirl them quickly with your hands. If you bought the salad directly from the producer (a farmer or direct grower), chances are it will be dirtier with soil than what they sell in the supermarket.
If you want to dry it using the salad spinner, wash the leaves directly in the respective bowl, without forgetting to also insert the colander
Step 4. Inspect the entire head
If you prefer to wash the lettuce still whole, it is important to check it carefully. Gently separate the leaves to see if there is any dirt inside. By gently bending them backwards, you will be able to make the water penetrate to the center of the head. Especially examine the part where the leaves are attached to the central core.
For example, you may want to leave the lettuce whole to grill on the barbecue
Step 5. Let the earth settle to the bottom of the boule
Leave the lettuce to soak for about ten minutes to give the earth time to detach from the leaves and fall to the bottom of the container. After ten minutes, remove the leaves from the water by lifting them gently so as not to bring them closer to the ground below. Shake them gently to remove excess water, then place them on a clean kitchen towel.
Part 2 of 2: Dry the Lettuce
Step 1. Use a salad spinner
This is the easiest way to dry lettuce leaves. After washing them, remove the colander with the leaves in the bowl. Discard any water that has accumulated at the bottom of the bowl, then put the colander back inside. Attach the lid of the juicer and start turning the crank to dry the leaves.
The centrifuge is able to dry the single leaves, not the whole head
Step 2. Wrap the lettuce leaves in a clean tea towel
You can dry them by rolling them in the cloth. Shake them to get rid of excess water, then arrange them on the towel without overlapping them. Start rolling the cloth (starting at the end closest to you). Very gently crush the leaves as you roll. Remember that applying too much pressure will eventually break them. When finished, unroll the tea towel, the lettuce should be completely dry.
Step 3. Shake the lettuce leaves
Let them drain in the colander, then cover it with a tea towel (wrap it around the ends to hold it in place). Shake the colander on the sink, in each direction. When the leaves are dry, transfer them to another container.
Step 4. Wrap the lettuce in a cloth and rotate it
Place the wet leaves in the center of a kitchen towel or clean pillowcase, then join the four corners of fabric in the center. Once the four flaps are firmly grasped, rotate the cloth several times. It is best to go outside or stand on top of the bathtub as it will splash a lot of water.
Step 5. Save the lettuce for later use
Arrange the leftover leaves on a piece of kitchen paper, then roll it up on itself with the leaves inside. Close the rolled sheet in a food bag and place it in the refrigerator. Lettuce should last up to 5-6 days.
Advice
- Using the salad spinner is the fastest way to dry lettuce.
- If it says on the packaged salad that it has already been washed, it means you can use it directly.
- Don't let the lettuce soak for too long. As soon as the earth has detached from the leaves, drain it from the water.
