How To: Wash leafy greens

Learn how to wash leafy greens. Is a bath for your leafy greens really necessary? Well, yes, especially if they're organically grown.

You Will Need

* A bunch of dirty greens
* A colander
* And paper towels
* A very large bowl
* White vinegar
* And a salad spinner

Step 1. Pick through your greens

Pick through the greens and remove any yellowed, bruised, or wilted leaves.

Step 2. Fill the sink

Fill your sink or a very large bowl with enough water to completely submerge the greens, about one gallon for every bunch of greens.

To get your greens their cleanest, wash only one reasonably sized bunch at a time.

Step 3. Dunk the greens

Dunk your greens into the water and gently swirl them around. The dirt will sink to the bottom.

Step 4. Drain the water

Lift out the greens and place them into a colander. Drain the water.

Step 5. Keep washing

Fill your bowl or sink and wash the greens again. You may need to do this multiple times if your greens are very dirty.

If your greens have come into contact with pesticides or other unsavory grime, add one teaspoon of vinegar to the water to further de-funk them.

Step 6. Dry the greens

Once the water remains clear, lift the greens out of bath, shake off the excess water, and dry them on paper towels.

Dry more tender greens, like salad greens, in a salad spinner before serving.

Step 7. Cook or store the greens

Your greens are now squeaky clean and ready to be cooked or stored, wrapped in damp paper towels, in your vegetable drawer.

FACT: "Greenwashing" is a new word for when an organization claims it's eco-friendly to cover up their poor environmental record.