Is it safe to eat the pink edges of cut lettuce?
Lettuce edges turn pink after being cut due to oxidation—a natural chemical reaction that happens when the plant’s damaged cells are exposed to air.
Inside of lettuce are compounds called phenols, and when the cut edges meet oxygen, enzymes convert those phenols into reddish-pink pigments (similar to how apples brown).
This process doesn’t mean the lettuce is unsafe to eat—it’s just a sign that the greens are no longer at their freshest.
To slow the pinking, store cut lettuce in an airtight container and keep it cold to reduce exposure to oxygen and slow enzyme activity.
For a detailed article about lettuce that has turned pink due to oxidation and how to prevent it, click here.
One of our favorite products for keep lettuce fresh for a much longer time that usual is the VejiBag cotton crisper bag. Thoroughly tested and proven to keep product fresher for longer (worth every penny and a great holiday gift!). Highly recommend!
Inside of lettuce are compounds called phenols, and when the cut edges meet oxygen, enzymes convert those phenols into reddish-pink pigments (similar to how apples brown).
This process doesn’t mean the lettuce is unsafe to eat—it’s just a sign that the greens are no longer at their freshest.
To slow the pinking, store cut lettuce in an airtight container and keep it cold to reduce exposure to oxygen and slow enzyme activity.
For a detailed article about lettuce that has turned pink due to oxidation and how to prevent it, click here.
One of our favorite products for keep lettuce fresh for a much longer time that usual is the VejiBag cotton crisper bag. Thoroughly tested and proven to keep product fresher for longer (worth every penny and a great holiday gift!). Highly recommend!