Keeping Salad Greens Fresh?

So... you buy a head of lettuce and stick it in the fridge. Few days later, you got an biology experiment growing in the bottom of your refrigerator crisper.

The reality... it's easier to avoid this problem than prevent it. Stating the obvious: eat your salad greens within several days of purchase.

If this isn't possible to consume it all in time then:

1. Wash the greens and dry them very well with a salad spinner or towels
2. Then wrap them in paper towels and place in a plastic bag in which you've made several holes.

The purpose of the hole in the bag is to assure that the greens are well ventilated. This process should provide you with seven to ten days of refrigerator life.

Iceberg lettuce should be stored intact. When ready to use, slam the stem end of the lettuce on a counter and the core should slip right out. If you want to prepare iceberg ahead of time, store as above, either in leaves or torn.

Torn is the way to go.

Chopping lettuce is a No-No of Universal Proportions.

Unless you're making tacos or slaw, tear lettuce into bite-size pieces. The one exception is if you are preparing a lettuce wedge to be drowned in creamy dressing.

So there you have it! Eat or store (as noted above)