Keeping lettuce fresh in or out of the refrigerator is challenging. Whether pre-chopped or bought whole, you should store it the same way. Believe it or not, lettuce can bruise like other vegetables. Make sure you carefully handle each lettuce head to prevent that from happening. It’s also wise to store the vegetable in an airtight container to prevent the growth of bacteria such as E. coli and to prevent freezing.
Storing fresh lettuce in an airtight container is the key to keeping it fresh longer. However, it can also be stored in a plastic bag, although this is not recommended. Understanding the proper way to store lettuce can be frustrating. But don’t let that deter you from doing it correctly. It’s not as hard as it seems. Here are some essential tips for keeping it fresh.
Prep Lettuce Before You Store It
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Most are unaware that prepping lettuce before storing it impacts its shelf life. One thing to consider is that when the vegetable is harvested and packed for shipment, it has not been cleaned and still contains remnants of contaminants such as dirt and pesticides. Therefore, you should wash it before storing it to rid it of anything that can contribute to its cellular breakdown.
Once you wash the lettuce thoroughly, lay it inside a pasta drainer and gently pat it to soak up any excess water that could cause it to mold or rot. After it is dry, cut the bottom stem off and separate the leaves.
You can skip that last step if you buy your lettuce pre-packaged because it is divided into individual leaves before packaging. Next, decide the type of storage you will use, such as freezer bags, storage containers, or simply the freeze-safe drawers inside your refrigerator.
Using Airtight Containers For Freshness
Now your lettuce has been adequately cleaned and is ready to be stored. Freezer bags and drawers inside your refrigerator are great to use, but airtight storage containers are preferred for vegetables that will be kept for longer than a week. Lettuce requires being stored in a space that locks in air to circumvent and maintain pressure.
Airtight containers, which come in glass or plastic, are ideal for keeping lettuce good longer. Before you place the lettuce inside the containers, add two paper towels, one on top of the other, to control any moisture that may find its way into the container during storage. These containers are also great for preventing damage caused by items that shift in the refrigerator or are sat on top of one another.
If you do not have airtight containers, don’t worry. You can also keep the head of lettuce fresh by placing it in a freezer bag with the top slightly open. You should also put paper towels inside the freezer bag to wick up excess moisture. With this method, not only will your lettuce remain fresh, but it will also maintain its crisp texture.
Try Mason Jars
Similar to how spices are stored, freshly cut lettuce can be stored in mason jars. Like airtight storage containers, mason jars seal in the air. What’s great about this method is that you can store all of the lettuce in one place. Mason jars are also cheap, can be found at most retail stores, and are sold individually. So, if you plan to separate your lettuce into individual leaves, this might be your ideal storage method. Furthermore, you will be able to save money and keep your lettuce crisp and fresh.
There are many inventive ways to keep lettuce fresh. Mason storage jars are just one method out of many. You may find that you like to use the jar for storing other vegetables too. But don’t forget that you’ll still need a paper towel to soak up excess moisture and prevent spoilage in the mason jar as well.
Final Thoughts
Keeping lettuce fresh can seem like a tumultuous task, but it doesn’t have to be. Storing it is half the battle, and doing it correctly will keep it fresh and maybe even extend its shelf life. Mason jars are one beneficial way to store lettuce because the jars are vacuum-sealed and are known for keeping fruits and vegetables fresh for longer.
Even though it may seem tough at first, you can find a way to store vegetables that works for you. Ultimately, however, if you want to ensure your lettuce is kept fresh and crisp for longer than normal, the best way is to use an airtight storage container of any kind.
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