There’s good news and bad news…
Vowing to eat healthier is a common way tokick off a new year.
You might start by researchingsalad recipesand stocking up on lettuce and other greens.
But after a few days in the fridge, your lettuce might not be looking so crisp.
This can leave you wondering: Do these changes mean your salad greens arent safe for consumption?
Can you still eat those weird leaves?
It breaks down easily and produces a lot of liquid.
Still, he said, that doesnt always mean the greens are unsafe to eat.
You just might not want to.
Why does some lettuce turn pink?
The primary reasons behind this discoloration are due to improper handling and storage, she said.
This can give it the rust appearance, Sabatini said.
Another contributor is exposure to ethylene gas thats naturally emitted by other produce in your refrigerator.
The rusty discoloration may be unsightly, but it doesnt make the lettuce unsafe to eat, Sabatini said.
you’ve got the option to just chop it off if it bothers you.
Why do some packaged greens get wet and soggy?
However, dark or wet leaves can signal spoilage, Sabatini said.
As greens age, they release moisture, which causes them to darken or get soggy.
Overpacking, temperature changes during transport, and improper storage can also increase moisture.
What to look for when buying packaged greens.
Before buying salad greens, give the package a once-over.
How to safely store and eat greens at home.
Storing salad greens correctly will help keep them fresh for longer.
Sabatini suggested keeping leafy greens separate from other fruits and vegetables to minimize ethylene gas exposure.
Keep greens cold, preferably between 34 and 38 degrees Fahrenheit, to slow rusting and breakdown.
Avoid eating anything with an unpleasant or sour odor.
Consider composting the greens to combat food waste.
You cant see or smell harmful foodborne illness-causing microorganisms.
This post originally appeared onHuffPost.
