When it comes to washing and storing greens, there are a few key tips that can help you preserve their freshness, flavor, and nutritional value. Whether you’re washing spinach, kale, arugula, or any other leafy green, the following guidelines can help you get the most out of your produce.

Step 1: Preparing Your Greens

Before you start washing your greens, it’s important to prepare them properly. This means removing any damaged or wilted leaves, trimming off any tough stems or thick veins, and separating the leaves from any bunches or bundles.

Once you’ve prepared your greens, rinse them briefly under cold running water to remove any dirt, debris, or pests. Shake off any excess water, or pat the leaves dry with a clean towel or paper towel. Be gentle when handling delicate greens, like baby spinach or mesclun, to avoid bruising or tearing the leaves.

Step 2: Washing Your Greens

To thoroughly wash your greens, you can use one of several methods:

Method 1: Soak and Swish Fill a large bowl or sink with cold water and submerge your greens. Swish them around gently with your hands, then let them sit for a few minutes to allow any dirt or grit to sink to the bottom of the bowl. Lift the greens out of the water, leaving any sediment behind, and transfer them to a colander to drain.

Method 2: Rinse and Repeat Rinse your greens under cold running water, turning them over and rubbing the leaves gently to remove any dirt or debris. Repeat this process until the water runs clear and there are no more visible particles on the leaves.

Method 3: Use a Salad Spinner Place your greens in a salad spinner and rinse them under cold running water. Spin the greens to remove excess water and dry them thoroughly before storing.

No matter which method you choose, be sure to wash your greens right before you plan to use them. Washing greens too far in advance can cause them to wilt or spoil more quickly.

Step 3: Storing Your Greens

After you’ve washed and dried your greens, it’s important to store them properly to prevent wilting or spoilage. Here are some tips to keep your greens fresh and crisp:

Tip 1: Store in a Plastic Bag Place your greens in a clean, dry plastic bag and seal it tightly. This will help to retain moisture and prevent wilting. Be sure to squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing the bag.

Tip 2: Add a Paper Towel If you’re concerned about excess moisture, you can add a paper towel to the plastic bag. The paper towel will absorb any moisture and help to keep the greens fresh and crisp.

Tip 3: Store in the Fridge Store your greens in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator, where the temperature is typically cooler and more humid. Be sure to keep the drawer closed to prevent exposure to light, which can cause the greens to wilt more quickly.

Tip 4: Use Within a Few Days Leafy greens are best when eaten within a few days of purchase, so be sure to use them up as soon as possible. If you have leftover greens that you can’t use right away, consider blanching and freezing them for later use in soups, stews, or smoothies.