Leafy greens can 'stay fresh for entire week' if stored with 1 kitchen item

Most of us like to keep our cupboards full of food, even when it comes to leafy greens like lettuce. Vegetables form a staple part of our diets, and it's important to eat plenty of them to stay healthy and fit; however, keeping them fresh isn't such an easy task.

If you're someone who has things like spinach, kale and lettuce hanging around then you may want to pay attention as a simple food storage hack could make things a whole lot easier for you. To keep your greens as fresh and crisp as possible, it turns out you just need to store them alongside a simple kitchen item.

Kevin Rail, who works as a health coach, fitness nutrition specialist, personal trainer and senior contributor at Premium Saunas, recently shared some advice on what people can do to better the storage of their leafy greens - it comes after he shared some tips on how to best store potatoes.

The coach, who has thousands of followers on Instagram, said: "When it comes to leafy greens, moisture is the enemy. After washing, spin them dry or pat them down. Then wrap in paper towels and store in a container or resealable bag with some airflow.

"That helps them stay crisp for up to a week. If you're doing a lot of salads or bowls, this step keeps prep efficient and your greens from turning soggy."

If you didn't know, storing your leafy greens with kitchen roll can be a big help. Start by thoroughly washing and drying the greens and then wrap them loosely in a layer or two of paper towel.

This works to absorb the moisture and prevent wilting. Then you can pop them in a container and place them in the fridge to keep them fresh.

You may need a few sheets of kitchen roll if you have a lot of greens. It's also vital to ensure all dirt and debris is removed from the leaves.

When it comes to where to place the container, the best place to opt for is the refrigerator's crisper drawer. This area normally provides optimal humidity for vegetables.

If you are storing the greens for an extended period, you might need to change the kitchen roll every few days. This is because it can become damp from absorbing moisture.

What causes leafy greens to go bad?

Leafy greens often spoil as a result of many factors such as moisture, age and bacterial acivity. Excess moisture, whether from washing, condensation or the leaves themselves, creates an environment that encourages decay.

Not to mention, as leafy greens age, they naturally begin to break down, releasing moisture and becoming slimy. Bacteria found on the leaves during growth or processing can also contribute to spoilage by changing the leaf structure.

Second Chance Foods states: "Heads of lettuce, bundles of kale, chard and other large leafy greens need a little prep before going into the fridge. When you get home with your greens, take the time to remove stems and any already browned bits, cut or tear into the pieces you want for later and then package to store.

"This is one instance where plastic is best - a sealed plastic bag will work best. You can use other food storage containers loosely packed, but they tend to take up more space and the condensation sometimes speeds up spoilage.

"It's best to store greens dry, so avoid washing until you are ready to use them - especially the prewashed and packaged bags or plastic boxes of salad greens. However, if you get greens from the farmers market, or your own garden, you might want to wash and dry them as much as possible before storing them."