Washing lettuce?

Question

Does running cold water over lettuce leaves really clean them?

Answer 1

It does if you core the head of lettuce first and then run cold water into the opening. To core it just hold the lettuce head firmly and whack the core on the edge of the sink--the core will loosen and you can pull it out. Be sure to drain out as much water as possible. I set the cored, rinsed head on a folded dish towel to drain well, pat outer leaves dry, wrap and refrigerate.

Answer 2

It will rinse off any of the grit or sand that may be there and it may remove some microbes, but obviously cold water by itself isn't much in the way of a cleaner. I am concerned with this issue also. I know there are vegetable sprays that you can spray on and then rinse. They usually contain some type of citric acid, which also helps. You can add some of the spray to a bowl of water and then plunge your lettuce leaves in it. E. coli would be one exception when it comes to cleaning produce. It is not killed by any method other than cooking. Obviously, lettuce isn't usually cooked, so it always poses a risk.

Answer 3

I prefer to wash lettuce in a bowl of cold water. Swish it around really well, and let sit for 10 minutes. Gently lifts the leaves out and drain on paper towels or put them in a spinner. When you see the bottom of the bowl, you'll see the grit.

Answer 4

Whether you are referring to iceberg or head lettuce, or romaine, green leaf or red leaf, they are always washed before use with cold water.In our Produce Dept. at the store where I work,we always wash and trim the above various types of lettuce before placing on the shelves for customers.Again, it should then be washed before useage when taken out from the refrigerator.

Answer 5

yea, but hot works better.