I’ve bought a salad spinner for years because I’m a stubborn idiot. Drying lettuce on towels is for fools. It takes way too long, takes up too much counter space, and never completely dries the leaves, resulting in mushy salads (boo).
When I started growing my own lettuce, I knew it was time. Pre-washed, packaged lettuce just doesn’t last that long or taste that good, but the lettuce in my garden is dirty and needs to be washed off, so dried. If you’re worried about space, I have great news: Preliminary work makes one that collapses for easy storage. (It’s also fantastic for drying mushrooms.) —Claire Lower, Senior Food Editor
