know-how // preparing a head of lettuce

How is everyone?  As I was putting away my groceries and preparing all my produce for storage, I realized that most people my age and maybe even some older probably don't know how to prepare a head of lettuce.  So I thought I'd share my know-how.  It seems these days that many choose to get lettuce that comes in bags and is already washed and cut.  I've never purchased bagged lettuce, but it doesn't seem appealing to me and then when I did a little research I found this article.  Basically, it's a bad idea, but many people find the alternative: daunting, time consuming, and maybe even wasteful.  I tell you NAY!

One head of lettuce provides, I'd say probably about twice as much as a bag of lettuce.  And the process is really quite relaxing (that could just be me though, I am going into culinary arts and therefore find most of what I do in my home kitchen to be somewhat therapeutic).  And then of course, the lettuce tastes better and is better for you!

Here's what you'll need: a head of lettuce (obviously), a salad spinner, paper towels, and ziploc bags (the freezer size), sweet music or a wonderful television program to entertain you while you work

1. First, you're going to remove the leaves one by one and place them into your salad spinner.  You'll probably want to break the big outer leaves in half.  Then stick it under the faucet and add about 1/4 cup of cold water.  Put the top on and spin the lettuce for about 5 seconds in both directions.
2. Once you've spun your lettuce sufficiently, lay the leaves out onto a paper towel and allow them to dry for a couple minutes.
3. While the leaves are drying, prepare your bag.  Break out a ziploc and shimmy a paper towel in there so it's laying flat in the bag.
4. Now, place your moderately dry lettuce into the prepared ziploc.  Fill the bag so that there is lettuce on both sides of the paper towel.

Repeat these steps until all your lettuce has been washed and is in a bag.  Put the bags in the crisper and your lettuce will be good for at least two weeks.

Important: do this right after you get your lettuce, or else it will start to wilt faster.  Also, if your lettuce appears to be really dirty (organic or farmer's market) then I suggest rinsing each leaf with cold water before placing in the spinner, but then don't add any more water to the spinner.

Keep in mind: this method is perfect for Red Leaf Lettuce (pictured above) and Romaine, but can also be used for spinach and other kinds of lettuce as well.  

How this was helpful, feel free to ask questions or give tips of your own.

x Ren

Post-it phrase of the day: "Be your own best friend."