A grandmother-of-nine has shared a simple, low-cost trick that keeps prepped salad fresh in the fridge for days longer, using an item that costs about 1p and is found in virtually every household.
The tip, which takes just seconds to apply, involves placing a dry sheet of kitchen roll over the top of a bowl of chopped salad before sealing it with plastic wrap and storing it upside down in the fridge. The method prevents the common problems of slimy cucumber, wrinkled tomatoes, and browning lettuce that typically appear after two days.
How the trick works
Cookbook author and nutritionist Rose Reisman, who shared the advice on Instagram, explained that she loves to have salad ready in the fridge to nibble on throughout the week but was frustrated by how quickly it spoiled. She said: "I noticed that after about two days the cucumber gets really slimy, the tomatoes get wrinkled and the lettuce starts to turn brown. I saw a great way to prevent this on social media so I tried it and it works."
Having washed and chopped a salad of lettuce, cucumber, and tomatoes into a glass bowl, she takes a piece of kitchen roll and lays it across the top. "First of all you're going to take a paper towel and just put it over the top," she said. "Then you're going to take some plastic wrap and you're going to cover it. The paper towel is going to be dry. Cover it well and here's the magic. You're going to turn it upside down in the fridge and this works. It actually keeps your salad way longer, give it a shot."
Maintenance and replacement
The key to the trick is checking the paper towel every other day. If it becomes wet, it should be replaced with a new, dry piece of kitchen roll, then the bowl is turned back over and returned to the fridge. This simple maintenance step helps to absorb excess moisture, which is the main culprit behind rapid spoilage.
Why it works
The paper towel acts as a moisture absorber, drawing humidity away from the vegetables and preventing the conditions that lead to sliminess and browning. The upside-down storage helps the towel to stay in contact with the salad, while the plastic wrap creates a sealed environment that slows down the aging process.
This tip is particularly useful during the summer months when salads are a popular choice for quick, healthy meals. It allows families to prepare a large batch of salad in advance, saving time and reducing food waste.
Expert endorsement and practical advice
Rose Reisman, known for her healthy cooking expertise, has endorsed the method after testing it herself. Her Instagram post has attracted attention from home cooks looking for practical solutions to extend the life of fresh produce.
For those who want to try it, the process is simple: chop your favourite salad ingredients, place them in a glass bowl, cover with a dry paper towel, seal with plastic wrap, and store upside down in the fridge. Remember to check and replace the towel every other day to maintain freshness.
This cost-effective trick costs just pennies per use, making it an affordable way to reduce food waste and enjoy crisp, fresh salad all week long.
