Re: Healthy Eating column on veggies
We utilize iceberg lettuce a lot in our home. Part of its appeal for us is that it is crisp, with a crunch when bitten into.
When I wash individual layers and then blot them with a paper towel, I am left with limp (at best) lettuce, and paper that is added to the trash.
I always peel off a couple of layers and then rinse the entire head, but I doubt that that accomplishes much. Any other method that I might apply that would make the lettuce safer while maintaining its crispness? Also: Why a plastic knife and why remove the core?
Vic Reichman
Shirley Perryman’s reply:
It’s good to remove the outer layer of leaves and dispose of them. I would suggest that you try one of two things to clean and crisp your iceberg lettuce. First, use a plastic (not metal) small knife to remove the core from the head of lettuce, then immerse the head in a lettuce spinner filled with water. Drain the water and spin “dry.” Or you can hold the head (core side up) under running water, then spin dry. Store in a plastic zipper bag or a plastic container to preserve freshness.
If you use a metal knife on lettuce, the cut surface will likely oxidize and turn brown with time. It’s not a food-safety issue but it isn’t appealing. So plastic is best. You can find serrated plastic knives to use. Also, if you remove the core and turn the head upside down, that allows water in between the leaves to some extent. Then flip it over to drain. It seems to help keep the head of lettuce fresher to add the moisture and it also is a way to rinse away any residue or other debris.
