Leafy greens are delicious and nutritious, but there is one major problem: They often spoil too quickly. If leafy greens are sold in a large bag or box, they can become wilted and slimy by the time you make a dent in the package.
Wasting food is a serious problem in the United States, so use this kitchen hack to extend the shelf-life of all greens from arugula to spinach. You will help the environment by reducing food waste and save money on your grocery bill.
How to extend shelf-life of leafy greens:
- After opening the package, place a dry paper towel in the bag or on top of the salad greens. The paper towel will absorb some of the moisture, noticeably extending the shelf-life of the leafy greens.
- Wash leafy greens before using, not before storing. If you wash leafy greens before storing, you can potentially promote bacterial growth and enhance spoilage.
- Store the greens in a refrigerator that is at or below 40°F for three to seven days.