Leafy greens can often be contaminated with harmful bacteria and are cause of food poisoning more often than you might think. This is why it is important to clean your leafy greens in a proper way before consuming them. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it efficiently and safely.
Wash Your Hands First
Before touching the leafy greens, wash your own hands with soap first. This will prevent any transfer of bacteria or microbes from your hands to the greens.
Inspect for Wilted or Rotten Parts
Make sure to inspect the leafy greens for wilted, bruised, or rotten parts. Remove these parts and throw them away. They are not safe to eat and could speed up the wilting process of the rest of the greens.
Wash Them with Cold Water
Wash your leafy greens under running cold water. You can use a colander to toss while washing, which will ensure that all the dirt is removed. Make sure not to use hot water as it will cause them to wilt. Also, don’t use any produce like soap since water is enough to do the job efficiently.
Dry the Leafy Greens
You can leave the leafy greens to dry in the colander or pat them gently with a paper towel. Use them afterward or store them in an air-tight container in the fridge.
