Tired of gritty kale? Learn the foolproof method to wash spinach and other greens to ensure every last bit of sand and grit is gone.
1 Answer
To thoroughly wash spinach or kale, submerge the leaves in a large bowl of cold water, agitate them to loosen dirt, and then lift them out, leaving the grit behind. Repeat until no grit remains at the bottom of the bowl.
Detailed Explanation:
Washing leafy greens like spinach and kale properly is essential to remove dirt, sand, and other debris that can be unpleasant to eat. Here's a step-by-step guide:
Prepare a large bowl: Fill a large bowl or your clean sink with cold water. The bowl should be big enough to allow the greens to move freely.
Submerge the greens: Place the spinach or kale leaves into the cold water. Don't overcrowd the bowl; wash in batches if necessary.
Agitate the leaves: Gently agitate the leaves with your hands to loosen any dirt or grit. Swirl the water around to help dislodge the particles.
Let the grit settle: Allow the greens to sit in the water for a minute or two. This will give the dirt and sand time to sink to the bottom of the bowl.
Lift the greens out: Carefully lift the spinach or kale leaves out of the water, making sure to leave the sediment at the bottom of the bowl. A salad spinner basket can be helpful for this step.
Rinse the bowl: Pour out the dirty water and rinse the bowl to remove any remaining grit.
Repeat if necessary: Repeat the process (steps 1-6) until no more dirt or grit settles at the bottom of the bowl. Usually, two to three washes are sufficient.
Dry the greens: Once the greens are clean, dry them thoroughly using a salad spinner or by patting them dry with clean paper towels or a kitchen towel. This will help prevent them from becoming soggy.
Pro Tip:
Add a tablespoon of vinegar to the water when washing your greens. The vinegar helps to further remove any lingering dirt and can also help to kill bacteria. Be sure to rinse the greens thoroughly after using vinegar to remove any residual taste.