The Unconventional Way To Rescue Sad, Wilted Greens

There's nothing quite as disappointing as watching your tub of lettuce turn bad, going from crisp and vibrantly green to soggy and dull. Sadly, it doesn't take too long to happen. Sometimes it seems like you just bought it when it starts to wilt. According to Does It Go Bad, iceberg and romaine lettuce can last anywhere from seven to 21 days in the refrigerator, whereas butter and green leaf lettuce last seven to 10 days. If you've ever noticed spinach going bad much quicker than other greens, MasterClass states that the amount of moisture in it is the culprit.

While there are many tips on how to save your lettuce — from placing a paper towel in the tub to soak up the excess water to using a bowl of ice water to make the leaves crisp again — there is an unpopular way that may blow your mind.

While soaking wilted lettuce in cold water seems like the perfect solution, soaking it in hot water is even better. According to Bon Appétit, Walmart refers to this method as "crisping" and requires it for their lettuce before it hits the shelves. Walmart trains workers to trim the leafy greens, remove any brown, unpleasant ends, soak them in warm water, drain them, label them, and chill them until floor distribution time. This crisping method is also popular in flower shops, as florists perform this trick to perk up wilted flowers.

Scientifically, warmer water allows the cell walls to widen and receive more water. The Chopping Block decided to test out both theories using lettuce and fresh herbs, comparing them side by side with the first subjects soaked in cold water and the second subjects soaked in hot water. They concluded that while the difference between the results was not drastic, the hot water version perked up the lettuce and herbs more.

To perform this method at home, the outlet suggests soaking your greens in a large bowl filled with hot water. The water should be approximately 120 degrees Fahrenheit, and the letter should soak for 10-30 minutes. Afterward, drain the lettuce, wrap the leaves in a damp towel, and store in the refrigerator until ready to use. If you need them immediately, you can transfer the leaves from the hot water directly into an ice water bath, drain them, and serve.