Why you shouldn't rinse lamb's lettuce under running water

Berlin (dpa) – Lamb's lettuce, those small winter-hardy jumbles of leaves that are great as garnish and on sandwiches, is now in peak season in much of Europe. Lamb’s lettuce sold in shops is generally pre-washed, but you may still find some grains of dirt on it. You might be tempted to rinse it under a tap, but farmers in Germany are urging people not to do this. The fine leaves are highly sensitive to pressure, and the impact of a running tap will quickly turn their soft crunch into mushiness. The Rhineland farmers’ association in Germany says instead you should remove any dirt by swishing the trimmed leaves around in a bowl of cold water. Eat fast (with goat's cheese) Anyone wanting to store fresh lamb’s lettuce — which should be firm and deep green when bought — can keep it in the frid