Did you know California is one of the main lettuce-growing regions in the U.S.? Better be-leaf it! One of our partners in produce is organicgirl, a California grower dedicated to offering 100% organic greens fresh from Salinas Valley (a.k.a. America’s Salad Bowl). Whichever greens you get, keep them fresh from store to salad with these pro tips. Without further ado, lettuce begin!

HOW TO SELECT

When shopping for leafy greens, look for bright colors, firm, tight heads (if applicable), and strong leaves with no browning on the tips or “rusting.” Leaves will darken, soften, and wilt over time, so make sure to store properly once you bring them home!

HOW TO STORE

Store whole heads of greens wrapped with a damp towel in a plastic bag in the fridge. For individual leaves, wash and spin them to remove most of the moisture, then store in a towel-lined bag or rigid airtight container with a lid. For living lettuce, refrigerate in its original container until you’re ready to use it. For all of the above, the crisper drawer is your friend! It helps control humidity levels and air flow to maximize the shelf life of your produce.

HOW TO WASH

Separate the head of lettuce into individual leaves (if not already loose), then dunk in cold water and lift out to rinse off any dirt or debris. Spin dry or layer on paper towels to remove excess moisture before serving, cooking, or storing.

Want to learn more about popular leafy green picks? Lettuce Begin!