Lettuce lasts weeks longer and doesn't go brown if stored with one kitchen item

Lettuceis a summer fridgestaple, perfect for crisp salads at barbecues or adding crunch to picnic sarnies. But it's no secret that lettuce can wilt and waste away in just a few days if not stored right. Don't worry, there's a way to fix it.

Cookbook author and Kalejunkiefounder Nicole Modic has shared a nifty trick to keep your lettuce fresh for up to two weeks, or even more. She advised: "For this hack, all you need to do is start by cutting the stem off of your head of lettuce, then wrap the lettuce in a towel or paper towel."

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According to the latest statistics provided byGreen Tulip, the UK wastes approximately two million tonnes of untouched or unopened food. Lettuce is one of the most wasted foods, with 40% of bagged salad getting thrown away.

Given that lettuce is mostly water, it's naturally crisp but prone to dehydration and wilting once it hits the dry fridge air. It's notorious for sweating out moisture, which, if left sitting, will turn the leaves slimy and rotten.

While plastic packaging does offer some protection, it also traps moisture, leading to soggy, condensed lettuce, reports the Express.

However, there's a simple solution that will make it last for an extra few days. Wrapping lettuce in a tea towel or paper towel helps soak up any excess moisture and acts as a shield, keeping it fresher for longer.

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How to store lettuce correctly for maximum freshness

Firstly, ensure the lettuce is bone dry. Whether you use a salad spinner or lay the leaves on a clean tea towel, pat them down gently until they're thoroughly dried.

Once the lettuce is dry, loosely wrap it in a dry tea towel or some kitchen roll. Then store the lettuce in a lidded food container or place in a sandwich bag. Whatever you have at home. Ensure the container or sandwich bag is not tightly sealed, but slightly open, to allow moisture to escape. That's the secret.

Place the lettuce in the salad drawer of the fridge and it will remain fresh for 14 days or more, allowing you to savour delicious leafy greens without the concern of wasting them.

By following these simple instructions, households will be able to maximise the use of their groceries for as long as possible. It doesn't take a lot of effort, but store it in the right place.