When it comes to your salad greens, be picky. Look for fresh, crisp leaves–no limp leaves, brown edges or slimy spots. Greens that are already wrapped in cellophane, like iceberg, can be refrigerated that way and then cleaned before serving.

Once salad greens are washed, they need to be dried. A salad spinner is efficient. But if you’re in the mood for some fun, fill a clean pillowcase with washed and drained greens, then swing it around until the greens are dry, or until your arms get tired.

When preparing greens, make sure that loose-leaf greens are torn by hand. They will brown very quickly if cut with a knife. For more information on ways to care for specific types of greens, see the Guide to Greens