Reviving Wilted Greens: A Step-by-Step Guide

Revive your wilted greens and restore their crisp texture using this quick and easy ice-water bath method. Our guide will show you how to perk up your greens in just a few simple steps, getting them ready for your next meal.

Materials

• Wilted Greens
• Large bowl
• Ice cubes (enough to fill 1/4 of the bowl)
• Cold water
• Salt
• Kitchen towels
• Salad spinner or colander
• Breathable bag or container (if storing) 
• Paper towels (if storing)

Instructions

1. Prepare Your Ice Water Mixture
   • Add ice cubes to a large bowl until it’s about 1/4 full. 
   • Add cold water to the bowl 1 quart at a time, leaving enough space to add the greens without the bowl overflowing. 
   • Stir in 1 tablespoon of salt for each quart of water in the bowl. This saline solution will help revitalize the greens by drawing water back into the leaves.
2. Soak the Greens
   • Submerge the wilted greens fully in the prepared ice water.
   • Leave them in the bowl for about 30 minutes, giving them enough time to rehydrate and regain their crispness.
3. Dry the Greens
   • After soaking, carefully remove the greens from the ice water.
   • Gently blot them dry with a towel to remove excess moisture. This step is crucial to avoid soggy greens.
   • Place the greens in a salad spinner and spin them to remove the remaining water. If you don’t have a salad spinner, lay the greens out on a towel and cover them with another towel, gently patting them dry.
   • Your greens are now ready to be served fresh or stored!
4. Storage or Serving
   • If you’re not using the greens immediately, store them in a breathable bag or container lined with paper towels. The towels will absorb residual moisture and keep them crisp until you’re ready to use them.

Tips for Best Results

• Ensure the water is icy cold to maximize the crisping effect on the greens.
• If your greens are particularly delicate, reduce soaking time to prevent damage.
• Eat the greens fresh if you can! The salty water will enhance their flavor a bit, making them even tastier. 

This method is an effective way to refresh greens that have lost their firmness, restoring them close to their original texture and enhancing their overall appearance and taste.

FAQs

1. How long should I soak the greens in the ice water?

Soak the greens for about 30 minutes in the ice water to ensure they rehydrate fully and regain their crispness.

2. Can I use this method for all types of greens?

Yes, this method is suitable for most types of greens, including the ones in our FruitGuys Fruit & Veggies Boxes (spinach, romaine, chard, etc.). However, for very delicate greens, like mache or arugula, consider reducing the soaking time to prevent damage.

3. What should I do if I don’t have a salad spinner?

No salad spinner? No worries! After soaking your greens, lay them out on a towel. Then, cover them with another towel and gently pat them to remove any remaining moisture.