Lettuce is one of the most consumed foods, favorite for its diuretic properties that helps fight fluid retention. It contains flavonoids, essentially quercetin to take care of the heart. The element that is most found in it is water, ideal for the proper functioning of the kidneys. Lettuce is rich in vitamins A, B, C and E, as well as minerals such as phosphorus, iron, calcium and sodium.
There are more than 100 varieties of lettuce and most of them are characterized by their thin leaves and short shelf life. It is a vegetable that should be refrigerated, but keeping in mind that too much cold also hurts it. Preserving the conditions of lettuce will allow its hypoglycemic properties and minerals magnesium and zinc, will be maintained from purchase to full consumption.
Lettuce with longer shelf life
It is necessary to know that lettuce is a vegetable that grows at ground level, so it is a focus of infections. And as it is a food that does not have a cooking process, it can be assumed that it also has a high percentage of contaminants. In that sense, keeping lettuce in the refrigerator in perfect conditions is a very important process, if not kept in a cool place there is a risk of multiplication of pathogens.
All lettuces can be preserved for several days as long as a few steps are followed. But, if it is a question of knowing the lettuce with more duration we can mention that the iceberg or cabbage is one of them, with rigid leaves of green color on the outside and yellow inside and with a soft flavor. The romaine can also be preserved for more than a week, has more elongated dark green leaves, is crunchy, fibrous and has a large stem. Both are often used in the Mediterranean diet.
There are two fundamental factors for the proper preservation of lettuces: humidity and air. The humidity must be low, only the necessary, while the flow of air can not be stopped, only then it will keep its freshness. The outflow of air prevents oxidation, which is the main damage caused to the color of this vegetable, as its texture is not affected.
We are going to present some recommendations to optimally preserve lettuce in the refrigerator:
When you buy it
- When you buy it make sure it is fresh, if it has drops of water (of origin), much better.
- The leaves should be bright green. The greener it is, the better it tastes and lasts longer.
- Lettuce should be whole. Do not buy the one with cut leaves.
To the refrigerator
- Wash the leaves with plenty of coldwater. You can do it in a general way or individually, leaf by leaf. Use only water or drops of special food grade bleach, but rinse well.
- Dry each of the lettuce leaves well. You can help yourself with absorbent paper or a vegetable spinner.
- Place the leaves in a container separated by kitchen paper to absorb any remaining moisture. If you choose a bag to keep the lettuce in, remember that it must have holes to allow air to escape and avoid moisture concentration.
- The storage place of the container or bag must have the correct temperature for the conservation process to be fulfilled. The right place in the refrigerator is the vegetable crisper because it gets less cold.
Finally, let’s remember that lettuce is a healthy food because it provides few calories, it is an ingredient that can not miss in slimming or Mediterranean diets and in the preparation of fresh salads. This vegetable contains minerals and vitamins necessary for the body, keeping the body hydrated and fighting insomnia. Don’t forget that the best way to take advantage of its properties is to take it fresh.
