Learn the best method for washing leafy greens. Our guide shows you how to easily remove all grit and dirt from spinach and lettuce without bruising them.
1 Answer
The best method to wash leafy greens involves submerging them in a large bowl of cold water, agitating to loosen dirt, and then spinning them dry in a salad spinner. Repeat until no grit remains.
Detailed Explanation:
Washing leafy greens properly removes dirt, sand, and potential contaminants. Here's a step-by-step guide:
Separate the Leaves: Remove the leaves from the head of lettuce or spinach bunch. Discard any wilted or damaged leaves.
Submerge in Cold Water: Fill a large bowl or clean sink with cold water. Add the separated leaves to the water, ensuring they are fully submerged.
Agitate Gently: Gently swish the leaves around in the water with your hands. This helps to loosen any dirt or sand that may be clinging to them. Avoid being too rough, as this can bruise the delicate leaves.
Let the Dirt Settle: Allow the leaves to sit in the water for a minute or two. This allows any dirt or sand to sink to the bottom of the bowl.
Lift and Drain: Carefully lift the leaves out of the water, leaving the dirt and sand behind. A salad spinner works great for this step.
Spin Dry: Place the clean leaves in a salad spinner and spin to remove excess water. This helps prevent the greens from becoming soggy.
Repeat if Necessary: If the water in the bowl was particularly dirty, repeat the washing process until the water remains clear after agitating the leaves.
Store Properly: Store the washed and dried greens in a clean container lined with paper towels in the refrigerator. This will help keep them fresh and crisp for longer.
Pro Tip:
Avoid washing leafy greens too far in advance of using them. Washed greens tend to deteriorate faster than unwashed greens. Wash them just before you plan to use them for the best quality and shelf life.