freezing lettuce
Discussion
I like a sprinkling of lettuce with my meals be it tacos (where the lettuce is pretty fundamental) or with a some chicken and potatoes.
I became rather fed up of buying a whole lettuce only to use a few leaves then have to fling it in the bin as its gone bad a day or so later.
So I decided to freeze one. But when it came to defrosting my “ICEBERG” lettuce, it ended up with similar characteristics to a sheep’s brain. All brown and gooey on the outside and solid in the middle.
Why did it go off when it thawed out? Am I doomed to go to ASDA to buy a new lettuce 2 or 3 times a week. Or how can I make my lettuce last longer?
Lettuce hear your suggestions.
I became rather fed up of buying a whole lettuce only to use a few leaves then have to fling it in the bin as its gone bad a day or so later.
So I decided to freeze one. But when it came to defrosting my “ICEBERG” lettuce, it ended up with similar characteristics to a sheep’s brain. All brown and gooey on the outside and solid in the middle.
Why did it go off when it thawed out? Am I doomed to go to ASDA to buy a new lettuce 2 or 3 times a week. Or how can I make my lettuce last longer?
Lettuce hear your suggestions.
Found this for you
No you can't freeze lettuce but, I have found a way to keep it allot longer. When you get it home from the store, clean it and core it, then let it drain of excess water. Then put it in a gallon glad, or zip lock bag (one of those kind of bags), with several peices of paper towels. Push as much air out of the bag as you can. This keeps the moisture under control. Each time you use the lettuce, replace the paper towels. I have kept a head of lettuce for about a month this way. It was just as fresh as the day I bought it. Try it, You will be amazed, and save allot of money on lettuce!!
No you can't freeze lettuce but, I have found a way to keep it allot longer. When you get it home from the store, clean it and core it, then let it drain of excess water. Then put it in a gallon glad, or zip lock bag (one of those kind of bags), with several peices of paper towels. Push as much air out of the bag as you can. This keeps the moisture under control. Each time you use the lettuce, replace the paper towels. I have kept a head of lettuce for about a month this way. It was just as fresh as the day I bought it. Try it, You will be amazed, and save allot of money on lettuce!!
dazco said:
Found this for you
No you can't freeze lettuce but, I have found a way to keep it allot longer. When you get it home from the store, clean it and core it, then let it drain of excess water. Then put it in a gallon glad, or zip lock bag (one of those kind of bags), with several peices of paper towels. Push as much air out of the bag as you can. This keeps the moisture under control. Each time you use the lettuce, replace the paper towels. I have kept a head of lettuce for about a month this way. It was just as fresh as the day I bought it. Try it, You will be amazed, and save allot of money on lettuce!!
I might try this. Not really bothered about the cost its just a pain going to asda every couple of daysNo you can't freeze lettuce but, I have found a way to keep it allot longer. When you get it home from the store, clean it and core it, then let it drain of excess water. Then put it in a gallon glad, or zip lock bag (one of those kind of bags), with several peices of paper towels. Push as much air out of the bag as you can. This keeps the moisture under control. Each time you use the lettuce, replace the paper towels. I have kept a head of lettuce for about a month this way. It was just as fresh as the day I bought it. Try it, You will be amazed, and save allot of money on lettuce!!
My Dad whinged early Spring about the cost of lettuce and how he was throwing so much away. He's been growing various different leaves in compost in a polystyrene tray (with extra heavy black bag base)on a tray/ table in his bay window.
I didn't think they looked too clever when I saw them - but, he seems to enjoy it.
He seems to think he'll be able to grow them all year long.
I didn't think they looked too clever when I saw them - but, he seems to enjoy it.
He seems to think he'll be able to grow them all year long.
Simpo Two said:
shirt said:
i'd guess that because lettuce has a very high water content the cells are bursting when frozen, so it defrosts all limp and stty.
This. Ice crystals form during the freezing process and rupture the cell membranes.Although if you freeze it quickly, with liquid nitrogen perhaps, then the ice crystals will be smaller and therefore may retain cell structure.
But it will probably be cheaper buying a new lettuce...
Saul Goode said:
This x 2
Although if you freeze it quickly, with liquid nitrogen perhaps, then the ice crystals will be smaller and therefore may retain cell structure.
You probably have a science degree too Although if you freeze it quickly, with liquid nitrogen perhaps, then the ice crystals will be smaller and therefore may retain cell structure.
Speed is the thing (and also why they can't freeze humans. Well they can, but they don't work afterwards)
I was pondering freeze drying but I still don't think Mr Lettuce would be up to much afterwards.
You'll just have to buy less or eat it faster. Or get a rabbit to help out.
Shaolin said:
Little Gem or similar that come in pairs or packs of three last for weeks in the fridge.
Or that!Simpo Two said:
Shaolin said:
Little Gem or similar that come in pairs or packs of three last for weeks in the fridge.
Or that!This year, I'm having a stab at growing my own. Salad greens are expensive in winter, however seeds and growbags are cheap.
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