1) How do I keep iceburg lettuce from going bad so fast?

Question

Does it stay fresh longer if you cut off the stalk?

2) Also, I used to only wash the outside, but recently I found a bug on one of the inside leaves. Does this mean I have to wash every leaf seperate, or is there a simpler way?

Answer 1

You slam the lettuce on the counter. This makes the bottom loose so you can pull it out. Then spread out the leaves and run water through the whole head. Leave it in a colander so that it can rinse well. Then tear the lettuce apart- DO NOT USE A KNIFE! Store it in a plastic baggie for veggies so it can "breathe" lol...this usually works for me!

Answer 2

I always take the first layer off and throw it away. I figure if someone else touched it and had some contagious disease just rinsing off isn't going to get rid of those germs (that is the nurse in me)
If you are going to cut the end off, don't use a regular knife. If you want to cut it off use a plastic knife. Metal will make the lettuce brown.
I spread the head open a bit and rinse well with cold water. Turn it over to drain.
The best thing to do to keep lettuce fresh is Tupperwear.
I have a tupperwear lettuce crisper which have a little plastic thingie that keeps the lettuce from laying directly on the bottom of the container. It also has little holes to drain any water is still in the lettuce. After it is in the fridge for awhile, I will drain any excess water. The lettuce will stay not only fresh but will be crisper than if you just left it in a bag or some other container.

When you find a bug inside of any food, take the food back with the bug in it to the store. They need to report it to their produce provider. Then they should give you a new head of lettuce. If you don't have time for that just throw the leaf and the bug away and wash your lettuce again.

Answer 3

It is the way that you cut it that helps to preserve the freshness. D not cut of the stalk or slice it in any way. Just remove each leaf one at a time and only remove the amount you wish to use.

With regards to wahsing the inside, I guess it depends on whether you are worried about bugs, I have never found one on the inside before.

Answer 4

Don't cut the head with a knife, this causes it to brown. Instead tear off chunks then cut it. Also, hit the stalk side down on the counter really hard and pull out the stalk, take off the first few layers of leaves, they are usually kinda soggy. Technically you are supposed to wash it all. I honestly don't. Just wet a paper towel and wipe the leaves if it makes you feel better.

Answer 5

If you are cutting the lettuce rather than peeling off the layers then cut with a PLASTIC knife instead of a metal knife. The metal makes the lettuce oxidise quicker therefore turns it brown a lot faster.

Then keep in a sealed container in the fridge.

Answer 6

Don't cut off the bottom. Take a bowl with another layer on the bottom. Drill a hole through the layer inside of the bowl. fill the bottom with water and but it in stalk side down

Answer 7

you need to wash the lettuce inside and out wiping away dirt and bugs and soak it to remove possible pesticides. to dry you should consider a salad spinner: its like a washing machine spin-cicle for lettuce.
to keep it fresh, seal it in a zip lock bag with a paper towel and it should keep for 3 to 4 days

Answer 8

George P is spreading viruses through that site and stealing info. Don't go there.

As for the lettuce, I think everyone has mentioned what I would have said.

Answer 9

core it, wash and dry it and put it into a sealed container.

Answer 10

Just eat it right away.