GUIDE TO LONG LASTING SALAD GREENS

This season we are sharing our simple guide to long lasting salad greens. With their vibrant colors and refreshing crunch, greens are a staple in salads, sandwiches, wraps and more. However, most of us are not lucky enough to truly enjoy the farm-fresh goodness we need because they rut before you blink. Ready to enjoy those salad greens for up to 10 days? This is our true and tested way to long lasting salad greens while maintaining freshness. No one wants that rut and you do not have to eat all your greens in a day to avoid the waste!

HOW TO BUY THE FRESH SALAD GREENS

How fresh are the greens you’re starting with? Yes, I do grab the salad packet from the back, because that sell by date is very close if not the same as the use by date. Don’t rush for that $3 off deal with greens you can’t even consume. Make sure the use by date is at least 5 days. Take a look at the packet and ensure there is no discoloration or sliminess.

If you do grow some lettuce and salad greens this season, here are a few things we do to ensure we are starting with the freshest salad greens.

WHEN AND HOW TO HARVEST LETTUCE FOR OPTIMAL FRESHNESS

Harvesting your lettuce early in the morning ensures you get that perfectly hydrated crunchy greens. To ensure continuous harvest throughout the season, cut outer leaves just above the soil and save the new growth. If you’re at the end of the season, you can pull the entire head of lettuce from the soil. You’ll need to thoroughly wash and dry the greens before storing.

TIPS FOR WASHING LETTUCE AND SALAD GREENS

If we are pulling out the entire plant, start by cutting off the root system with a knife or sheer. Then fill up a large bucket or kitchen sink with enough water to wash greens. Gently swirl or shake around to dislodge any remaining dirt. Discard water and repeat two to three times. You can use a vegetable cleaning agent (vinegar is an option) or not. Add an ounce into a bucket of water or kitchen sink with enough water to rinse. Soak for a few minutes and thoroughly rinse checking between leaves for any remaining traces of dirt or bugs. Rinse one final time with clean water.

DRYING LETTUCE

Thoroughly drying your lettuce impacts how long they’ll store. You can use a salad spinner or dry on some clean kitchen towels. Feel free to use a fan to keep the air moving and speed the drying process. You can also flip the leaves over to ensure they are completely dry before you store.

HOW TO STORE LETTUCE AND OTHER SALAD GREENS TO MAINTAIN FRESHNESS

With our harvest, we had enough greens for at least 10 servings of lettuce.

Zip Lock bags. Place a paper towel in the bag and then add your salad greens. Seal , while getting rid of as much air as you can from the bag without bruising the greens. The paper towel absorbs moisture and prevents rut. This will keep fresh in the crisper section of your refrigerator for up to 10 days if need be.

Large bowl with a tight lid. Start with a paper towel at the bottom, then add your greens. Top with another paper towel before sealing. Do not over pack as you might bruise the greens. This keeps in the refrigerator for up to 10 days.

Also make sure your refrigerator is the optimal temp of 37 F. Too cold or too warm will speed spoilage and damage the greens.

With this simple guide to long lasting salad greens, you’ll be enjoying those salad greens for much longer and maintain that garden fresh appeal. Grow or buy right, clean appropriately and enjoy long lasting salad greens!

Now try this Orzo Shrimp Romaine Lettuce salad with those crisp greens!