What About Unwashed Greens?
If you purchase unwashed greens or whole heads of lettuce, you absolutely should clean them before eating. Here’s how to do it properly:
“First, wash your hands with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds before and after handling the leafy greens,” nutrition professionals recommend. “Then clean all surfaces like sinks, countertops, bowls, salad spinners, colanders and strainers with hot water and soap before you wash the leafy greens.” For heads of lettuce, remove the core or stems first, then rinse each leaf individually under cold running water. For loose greens that are harder to hold under running water, place them in a bowl of cold water briefly to loosen dirt and sand. After rinsing, drain the greens and dry them with clean paper towels rather than a reusable cloth, which might harbor bacteria.