And do you really need to rinse pre-washed lettuce?

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I typically buy pre-washed bagged leafy greens.

Its so much easier to just open a container than to wash the greens thoroughly.

Four romaine lettuce halves on a white countertop

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But occasionally, Ill pick up a head of lettuce or a bundled batch of fresh greens.

Then, I have to tackle the dirt and pesticides on the greens.

How To Wash Lettuce

Start by removing any imperfect outer leaves.

Butter Lettuce Leaves on a Kitchen Linen

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Rub gently with your hands to dislodge dirt and particles, says Petitpain.

Your lettuce is clean and ready to eat.

Submerge the leaves and swirl them gently for a few minutes so any dirt can drift away.

Dont put them back into the same bowl, or you could recontaminate them with any leftover dirt.

Soak the lettuce for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, to ensure all leaves are washed in the solution.

Petitpain likes vinegar because it can help remove bacteria and residue from pesticides.

Proper drying prevents the growth of bacteria and keeps the lettuce crisp, Petitpain says.

Using a salad spinner is a great way to dry off your lettuce.

When buying bagged lettuce or lettuce in a plastic container, look at the best by date.