Storing Lettuce

If the lettuce is too wet, I change the paper towels later.
I buy the bags in the produce section of the grocery. First saw them at Whole Foods Market, and later on at other grocery stores. If you get some, get a larger bag rather than smaller, as some lettuces can be quite large. I use the size large bag. Been using these bags for quite a few years. Am happy with the results. As the bag is a light green, it makes it easier to spot the lettuce in a hurry.

The evertfresh bag lasts a long time. And if the directions say to change it with each new head of lettuce, I don't. I just keep reusing the bag until it needs to be discarded. I wash the leaves right before using.

I used to close the bag with a twist tie, but now I just place the paper towel wrapped lettuce in the bag, tuck under the open ends and place it in the crisper.

Alternatively, I sometimes use Tupperware Fridgesmart containers. These have buttons at the front which allow you to control the air flow into the containers. When I purchased these containers on E-bay, I was sent a chart that tells me what setting I need for various products. It works wonderfully, and keeps the produce for quite a long time, however, the draw back of these containers is that they do take up a lot of space in the refrigerator.

It's important to make sure that whenever storing produce, that you have made sure to get rid of all of the excess moisture and water. Failure to do so will result in rotting very quickly. I would also advise that people not wash the produce prior to storing, but rather that they wash it prior to using. It stays fresher that way. And if you wash it just prior to use, sometimes the cold water helps to freshen the stuff too.

I would like to know tips for storing lettuce.

Answer:

Wash your lettuce and dry it on a towel. Once thoroughly dry, seal in a Ziplock bag. Do not store near apples, pears or bananas as the ethylene gas these fruits emit will help speed the ripening (and decay) process.

Jennifer A. Wickes is a freelance food writer, recipe developer and cookbook reviewer. She has written several eBooks, and has had numerous articles, reviews and recipes in printed publications, as well as on-line. She is working on her first cookbook. For more information about Jennifer or her work, please visit her home page: http://home.comcast.net/~culinaryjen/Home.html