How To Wash and Store Leafy Greens

Save money and avoid food waste by storing your greens properly! Learn my step-by-step tutorial with the best techniques for how to wash and store leafy greens. 

How many times have fruits or vegetables gone to waste because you didn’t eat them in time? Perhaps you share my bad habit of shopping as though you’re feeding an army. After the long winter, I get so excited every time I visit my local farmer’s market that I almost always buy too much. Although I can’t control how crazy you get at your farm stand, I can help you learn how to wash and store leafy greens.

Taking this simple step when you return from the store will save you precious time later in the week. Additionally, having access to washed and ready greens means you are more likely to throw them in your omelets, smoothies, pastas, salads and more. The bottom line: more greens on your plate = less in the trash and more money in your wallet.

How to wash and store leafy greens:

Today’s technique is perfect for all leafy greens such as romaine, spinach, kale, and swiss chard.

Wash Greens

Place leafy greens in a large bowl and fill with cold water. Be sure to immerse the greens in the water.

Pull the greens out

Slowly lift the greens out of the bowl and place them on a double layer of paper towel (about 3-4 squares length.) As you lift the greens, the dirt will sink to the bottom of the bowl. Continue doing this until all greens are out of the bowl.

Remove excess water

Once all of the greens are on the paper towel, add a 2nd layer of paper towel on top of the greens.

Dry

To dry the greens, slowly roll the paper towel from one end to the other, as though you’re rolling sushi.

Store

Place greens wrapped in a paper towel in a plastic bag and store in the refrigerator. Voila – fresh, clean greens ready to use all week long! As you can see, it’s very simple to wash and store leafy greens.

Here are a few of my favorite recipes featuring leafy greens:

• Egg White Omelet with Sun-dried Tomatoes, Feta and Spinach
• Sauteed Swiss Chard with Lemon and Garlic

Want more step-by-step tutorials? Head over to Pinterest!