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Washing lettuce removes contaminants and visible dirt. Leafy lettuce should be separated and rinsed in cold water, while iceberg lettuce should have the core removed and be swished in water. A salad spinner can also be used. Experts disagree on whether pre-washed lettuce needs to be washed again.
Proper washing of lettuce can remove many invisible contaminants, such as pesticides and bacteria, as well as visible ones, such as dirt and bugs. The best way to wash lettuce is to rinse the separated leaves in cold water until there is no visible dirt. Once washed, you can use it immediately or dry it and store it in the refrigerator for a few days.
In some countries, lettuce that has been marked as ready to eat has met requirements specified by government agencies and should be clean enough to eat; however, experts disagree on whether or not you should wash lettuce that has been pre-washed. Concerns about outbreaks of Escherichia coli (E. coli) outbreaks due to improperly cleaned lettuce have prompted many people to thoroughly clean this and all lettuce before eating it, despite claims that it is safe to consume straight from the bag. This lettuce is usually shredded and can be placed in a bowl of cold water, swirled around, then removed and drained.
Getting ready to wash your lettuce depends in part on the type of lettuce you have. If you have leafy lettuce like Romaine, you should cut off the lower section of the leaves, which includes the roots and the part of the plant where the leaves all come together. Gently separate all the leaves and toss each one in a bowl of cold water, where you should leave them for at least 30 seconds. Swirl the leaves in the water and lift them up, using a gentle stream to rinse away any debris that may still be adhering to them.
To wash lettuce that has leaves that grow into a tight head, like an iceberg, first use a small, sharp knife like a paring knife to trim and remove the core from the bottom of the head. Break off the leaves and drop them into a large bowl of cold water, swishing them gently. Leave them for about a minute, which is enough time for the sand and dirt to fall off, then lift the leaves up, rinsing them and removing any remaining dirt.
If you have a salad spinner, wash the lettuce by first placing the colander piece, which is the bowl with the holes, into the bowl section of the spinner, where it should snap or lock into place. Fill the bowl of the spinner with cold water and then place the separated lettuce leaves in the cold water. Stir gently to get all of the sand and dirt into the water, away from the lettuce. Lift the colander, pour out the dirty water and put it back in place. Put the lid on the spinner and turn the handle to get rid of the remaining water and dirt and your lettuce is ready to use.
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