Kitchen Hack: Magically Extend Shelf-Life of Leafy Greens

vonEisenstein/ iStock / Getty Images Plus
vonEisenstein/ iStock / Getty Images Plus

Leafy greens are delicious and nutritious, but there is one major problem: They often spoil too quickly. If leafy greens are sold in a large bag or box, they can become wilted and slimy by the time you make a dent in the package.

Wasting food is a serious problem in the United States, so use this kitchen hack to extend the shelf-life of all greens from arugula to spinach.  You will help the environment by reducing food waste and save money on your grocery bill.

How to extend shelf-life of leafy greens:

  • After opening the package, place a dry paper towel in the bag or on top of the salad greens. The paper towel will absorb some of the moisture, noticeably extending the shelf-life of the leafy greens.
  • Wash leafy greens before using, not before storing. If you wash leafy greens before storing, you can potentially promote bacterial growth and enhance spoilage.
  • Store the greens in a refrigerator that is at or below 40°F for three to seven days.
Food & Nutrition Magazine
Food & Nutrition Magazine publishes articles on food and diet trends, highlights of nutrition research and resources, updates on public health issues and policy initiatives related to nutrition, and explorations of the cultural and social factors that shape Americans’ diets and health.