Washing the vegetables is the first step in creating a delicious salad that is safe to eat. Fresh salad greens from farmers markets and grocery stores can host disease, so it's extremely important to wash and dry them well before eating.
What are green salads?
This is a broad category that includes the tender leaves of various varieties, mostly consumed as salads. The term is applied to many types of lettuce.
Washing lettuce is primarily a matter of safety: it helps prevent bacteria such as E. coli and other diseases that can be transferred to the leaves through the soil or through improper handling/transport after harvest .
Rinsing the lettuce in cool water removes any remaining traces of dust, dirt or organic matter. Aphids and other bugs, such as caterpillars, like to hide in the nooks and crannies of leaves. Washing the larger lettuce leaves one at a time under running water allows you to inspect them for insects and cut off any wilted or moldy areas.
How to clean lettuce:
To clean the lettuce, first fill a large container with cold water, it can be a basin or a bowl. Remove any damaged outer leaves and trim the stem ends. Separate the leaves by dropping them into the water and mixing them in with your hands.
Leave the lettuce in the water for 1-2 minutes to allow any dirt or sand to fall to the bottom, then remove the leaves from the water and place them in a colander to drain. If the lettuce is still sandy, change the water and repeat the process.
Have a look some ideas for preparing delicious and healthy salads;
- Tomato salad;
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