topic Re: How to keep lettuce fresh? in Kitchen

How to keep lettuce fresh?

Shopster3 — Mon, 19 Sep 2016 17:44:49 GMT

I buy iceburgh because it's cheaper and I like it No matter how small the head is I still can't eat it fast enough before it goes bad.

I only get maybe a fourth thru it when it gets brown.

Can you still eat it brown if it's still crunchy, or what do I do to make it last longer?

I now cut it up, put paper towels in the container...still too much waste.

Help!

Re: How to keep lettuce fresh?

Mz iMac — Mon, 19 Sep 2016 17:49:53 GMT

@Shopster3 wrote:

I now cut it up, put paper towels in the container...still too much waste.

Help!

If your container is AIR TIGHT, you should be able to keep your lettuce "fresh" for up to 3 weeks.

I use an OXO oblong air tight container for my romane lettuce. Stays fresh up to month.

Re: How to keep lettuce fresh?

Krimpette — Mon, 19 Sep 2016 17:53:54 GMT

I usually buy romaine lettuce and store it in a Lock and Lock container. It lasts for weeks. Not sure they make a container that would hold iceberg lettuce, however.

Re: How to keep lettuce fresh?

3suwm5 — Mon, 19 Sep 2016 17:54:38 GMT

I buy mixed greens, etc., in the plastic containers. It will last at least 2 weeks and I find we eat it more often, because it is ready to go.MO

Re: How to keep lettuce fresh?

sidsmom — Mon, 19 Sep 2016 17:56:19 GMT

I have SOOOO gotten into Mason Jars (Bell jars)

for air-tight freshness.

I've found pre-chopping (not washing) & stuffing into those jars,

really keeps the brown-stuff away. Just wash as needed.

I've also found using Romaine lettuce is much better for longevity.

But the best bet is to eat it...everyday...so the brown stuff

doesn't have a chance to appear! 💚

Re: How to keep lettuce fresh?

Trix — Mon, 19 Sep 2016 17:57:41 GMT

I highly recommend Lock 'N Lock or a Debbie Meyer Greenbox for lettuce. I'm alone, but because of the airtight boxes I am not afraid that the more economical large sizes of packaged green mixes will spoil. I split the bag and use two or three boxes for storage. One box is opened daily, and the others are kept sealed until needed. Sometimes it's two weeks before the last box is opened and the leaves are still crisp and fresh smelling.

Re: How to keep lettuce fresh?

lork — Mon, 19 Sep 2016 17:59:02 GMT

I can usually keep iceburg lettuce for a week or two in the frig. First of all, don't cut it with a knife, unless you're going to eat it all right away. Ues your fingers to tear the lettuce into peaces as you need it. I remove the plastic wrap and rinse it well under cool running water. I then pat it dry, and wack the bottem of the core several times on the edge of my sink. This will loosen the core and you can pretty much pull it out of the center of the lettuce head with your fingers. I put it, core (hole) side down in a Tupperware type container. (The one I have actually has a little lift thing that holds the lettuce head up off the bottem of the container.) If you look around, I'm sure you can find a similar Lock & Lock type round container that will work. Anyway, keep it air tight in the frig. If any water accumulates in the bottem of the container, remove the head of lettuce and pour it off. Replace the head and again cover/refegerate. I don't buy bagged lettuce, as I know they put a lot of chemicals on it to keep it fresh looking. My DH only likes iceburg lettuce, so it's what I always have on hand.

Re: How to keep lettuce fresh?

butterfly123 — Mon, 19 Sep 2016 18:00:58 GMT

Instead of cutting lettuce with a knife, try using your hands instead. Most knife blades cause oxidation to the lettuce.

Paper towels need to be changed out when they become too moist and replaced.

Store in air tight container in the back of the refrigerator where the temperature is cooler.

I have seen a container for iceberg lettuce, but can't remember where. Might try Amazon. HTH

Re: How to keep lettuce fresh?

Shopster3 — Mon, 19 Sep 2016 18:07:40 GMT

Thanks, I think I know what I'm doing wrong now.

I have it in lock n lock but I've been cutting it all up first with a knife.

I will now just tear off what I need.

And I love the mason jar idea. I have small mason jars that would make the perfect portion sizes. I will put all my salad ingredients in each one except dressing and then when I want a salad, Walla!

You guys are so smart

Re: How to keep lettuce fresh?

butterfly123 — Mon, 19 Sep 2016 18:08:13 GMT

@Shopster3

Here are a couple of examples for you

Re: How to keep lettuce fresh?

KingstonsMom — Mon, 19 Sep 2016 18:30:14 GMT

@Trix wrote:
I highly recommend Lock 'N Lock or a Debbie Meyer Greenbox for lettuce. I'm alone, but because of the airtight boxes I am not afraid that the more economical large sizes of packaged green mixes will spoil. I split the bag and use two or three boxes for storage. One box is opened daily, and the others are kept sealed until needed. Sometimes it's two weeks before the last box is opened and the leaves are still crisp and fresh smelling.

@Trix

I wrap the head of lettuce in paper towels and use Debbie Meyer Green Bags.

It lasts forever, I just change the paper towel out when it's damp. I'll have to look for her greenbox!

Re: How to keep lettuce fresh?

Shopster3 — Mon, 19 Sep 2016 19:10:57 GMT

Thanks for the examples!

Re: How to keep lettuce fresh?

January121 — Mon, 19 Sep 2016 21:51:20 GMT

Never cut the lettuce with a regular knife... this causes the lettuce to turn brown faster .... Use a plastic knife & put a piece of paper towel on the bottom of a Lock & Lock container & put the lettuce in & cover with another piece of paper towel ... my lettuce lasts for at least 2 weeks when I store it like this.

Re: How to keep lettuce fresh?

chickenbutt — Mon, 19 Sep 2016 22:04:16 GMT

I have a couple of nylon knives that are perfect for precluding the browning you get with cutting.

Also, I store all my produce DRY - completely dry - and that makes a big difference.

I use Lock & Lock a lot. This would work well for lettuce. I might use one with a tray in the bottom or just put a paper towel on the bottom and maybe the top. But still - try to have it as dry as possible for storing.

Re: How to keep lettuce fresh?

Shopster3 — Mon, 19 Sep 2016 22:15:18 GMT

Yep, that's the thing I've been doing wrong. Cutting it with a metal chopper blade.

Another mystery solved.

Re: How to keep lettuce fresh?

Annabellethecat66 — Mon, 19 Sep 2016 22:21:20 GMT

It helps too if you only wash whatever you're going to us right then. Also, you need to keep out the moisture, so I place clean paper towels in with the lettuce. The towels will absorb the extra moisture.

Re: How to keep lettuce fresh?

chickenbutt — Mon, 19 Sep 2016 22:43:22 GMT

Shopster3 wrote:
Yep, that's the thing I've been doing wrong. Cutting it with a metal chopper blade.
Another mystery solved.

You can get these large nylon knives that are awesome. I use them for anything like that, as well as for cutting anything out of a nonstick pan, etc.

I got mine at Amazon. Zyliss makes a nice one, as does OXO.

Re: How to keep lettuce fresh?

Shopster3 — Mon, 19 Sep 2016 22:54:57 GMT

I will check out those nylon knives, thanks.

Re: How to keep lettuce fresh?

cancun08 — Tue, 20 Sep 2016 00:30:38 GMT

Ziploc Fresh Produce Bags

Re: How to keep lettuce fresh?

leighagemini — Tue, 20 Sep 2016 00:46:26 GMT

Like a couple other posters have said, Debbie Meyer green bags are useful. QVC used to sell them but they are now on H$N or you can get them at Bed Bath and Beyond