This is the best way to keep lettuce fresh for a long time

Do you often find it difficult to keep leafy greens fresh? Then you need to pause and read this, as we have found some simple hacks to prevent wilting of greens, especially lettuce leaves that spoil fast. Well, if you too want to store lettuce leaves perfectly to retain their texture and taste, then read on and try out these simple hacks.

The addition of lettuce leaves to anything can instantly amp up the taste and texture of any meal; this is because of its thin, leafy and crunchy texture. Among the most considerable reasons why lettuce goes bad quickly or begins to rot is dampness. If possible, keep your lettuce leaves dry, starting with how they are stored. After a good washing of lettuce, moisture from their leaves can be patted dry using paper towels and gentle pressure, or otherwise use a salad spinner dryer until dry.

The crisper drawer in your refrigerator is the best place to store lettuce. It is designed to have high humidity, which is perfect for leafy greens. Whole heads can be stored as is, while loose leaves can be placed in an airtight container or produce bag for better preservation of freshness.

If you end up purchasing a whole head of lettuce, then leaving the roots attached can help extend its shelf life. Place the whole head in a container with a damp paper towel, making sure the roots aren’t sitting directly in water, and keep it in the crisper drawer. The intact roots help maintain the lettuce’s freshness for up to a week.

While freezing fresh lettuce isn't good for salads because the texture changes, it's fine if you're looking to cook with it later. Blanch the leaves of the lettuce in boiling water for a few seconds, cool them fast in ice water, and then put them in a ziplock bag to freeze. This will work well with soups or stews, where the texture won't be noticed much.

Store washed lettuce in a container that allows for airflow, such as a perforated plastic bag or a container with ventilation holes. This will not allow excess moisture to build up and will keep the lettuce crisp without it getting soggy.

Some fruits, like apples, bananas, and tomatoes, emit ethylene gas, which causes lettuce to spoil quickly. Store the lettuce away from these fruits to prevent them from wilting prematurely.