Should wilted or bad leaves be removed before or after washing?

Question

Find out whether you should remove bad leaves before or after washing your greens. Learn the most efficient and hygienic order of operations for prep.

Answer 1

Remove wilted or bad leaves *before* washing produce. This prevents contaminating the clean leaves with bacteria or decay from the bad ones.

Detailed Explanation:

Removing wilted or decaying leaves before washing is crucial for food safety and preventing cross-contamination. Here's a step-by-step breakdown:

1. Inspection: Carefully inspect your leafy greens or produce for any signs of wilting, discoloration, or decay. These are the leaves you want to remove.

2. Removal: Gently detach the bad leaves from the rest of the produce. Be sure to remove the entire leaf, including the stem if it's affected.

3. Disposal: Discard the removed leaves immediately. Don't leave them near the clean produce.

4. Washing: Now that you've removed the bad leaves, thoroughly wash the remaining good leaves under cold, running water. This will remove any dirt, debris, or lingering bacteria.

By removing the bad leaves first, you prevent the spread of bacteria and decay to the healthy parts of the produce during the washing process.

Pro Tip:

After washing, use a salad spinner or gently pat the leaves dry with a clean towel. Excess moisture can promote bacterial growth and cause the produce to spoil faster.