Best Way to Thoroughly Wash Romaine Lettuce?
As they say in the south, “Bless you heart.” You simply know not of what you speak. Romaine lettuce comes with a film that must be washed off by using one’s hands. Soaking will not remove this film. Begin by twisting off and discarding the base stem. Then, under running water, rub each leaf thoroughly and, no, not only the outer leaves. The film is on all of the leaves. When you finish cleaning a leaf tear off each side and discard the stem. Do not tear the retained leaves and put them, whole, in a salad spinner. Once al of the lettuce has been cleaned, the individual stems discarded and placed in the salad spinner proceed with spinning the lettuce leaves until dry. (By leaving the leaves whole you will not have the problem of cleaning the leaf bits from the holes of the spinner.) Place leaves of a kitchen towel, fold over sides and roll up, place a rubber band around the towel and refrigerate. Once cold remove and tear leaves into bite-sized portions. The remaining lettuce may be placed in a plastic bag before refrigerating again. You will recognize the difference in taste, texture and crispness. In addition and to some most importantly, the lettuce will last much, much longer without the stems.
How do I wash romaine lettuce?
As they say in the south, “Bless you heart.” You simply know not of what you speak. Romaine lettuce comes with a film that must be washed off by using one’s hands. Soaking will not remove this film. Begin by twisting off and discarding the base stem. Then, under running water, rub each leaf thoroughly and, no, not only the outer leaves. The film is on all of the leaves. When you finish cleaning a leaf tear off each side and discard the stem. Do not tear the retained leaves and put them, whole, in a salad spinner. Once al of the lettuce has been cleaned, the individual stems discarded and placed in the salad spinner proceed with spinning the lettuce leaves until dry. (By leaving the leaves whole you will not have the problem of cleaning the leaf bits from the holes of the spinner.) Place leaves of a kitchen towel, fold over sides and roll up, place a rubber band around the towel and refrigerate. Once cold remove and tear leaves into bite-sized portions. The remaining lettuce may be placed in a plastic bag before refrigerating again. You will recognize the difference in taste, texture and crispness. In addition and to some most importantly, the lettuce will last much, much longer without the stems.