Growing your own vegetables gives you the satisfaction of bringing fresh, healthy food to your table. But the joy of harvesting your own produce can quickly turn to frustration if you don’t store it properly. Fortunately, with proper storage techniques you can enjoy your homegrown salads and sandwiches long after the garden has been harvested.

The how to store lettuce from garden is thoroughly washing it. Some people use a large bowl of cold water and swish the leaves around gently, which allows any dirt to sink to the bottom, leaving them clean. Others prefer to use a salad spinner, though be careful not to overcrowd the lettuce. Trying to cram in too much can bruise the leaves and make them limp.

“From Garden to Table: A Guide to Storing Freshly Harvested Lettuce

Once your lettuce is thoroughly washed, it’s important to dry it before storing. You can do this by putting the lettuce in a salad spinner or by rolling up the individual leaf pieces on paper towels and then placing them into a resealable plastic bag. Be sure to remove as much air as possible from the bag before sealing and then storing it in the refrigerator.

Some lettuce storage containers come with built-in dividers or trays that help to keep the leaves separate and crisp. This is a great option for those with limited fridge space. It’s also helpful to periodically check the lettuce for signs of wilting or spoilage, and to remove any spoiled or damaged leaves.