If you go to the market and see lettuce with these 4 signs, be bold and turn around and never buy it, no matter how cheap it is offered.

1. Bright color, unusually dark blue

Fresh lettuce is naturally light green, with a slight yellow tinge on the young leaves or stems. However, if you see a bunch of lettuce that is too dark green, shiny and waxy, be careful! This could be a sign that the vegetable has been chemically treated to keep it fresher. Preservatives such as formaldehyde or artificial greening agents may be used to create eye-catching colors, misleading buyers.

To check, look closely under natural light. If the color of the lettuce is “fake” or natural, it is best to choose it. Instead, prioritize bunches of lettuce with lighter colors, closer to the natural color of clean greens.

2. The vegetable leaves are too crispy and lack natural softness.

Fresh lettuce leaves are usually crispy but still soft and bend easily when touched. In contrast, lettuce soaked in chemicals often has an unusual crispness, leaves are hard and brittle like plastic. This happens because the preservative chemicals change the cell structure of the leaves, causing them to lose their natural softness.

You can check by gently breaking a lettuce leaf. If the leaf breaks with a "crack" or feels less elastic, it is likely that the vegetable has been chemically treated. Clean lettuce has a moderate crispness, and when broken gently, it still retains a certain flexibility. Therefore, be careful when choosing to avoid bringing home bundles of potentially dangerous vegetables.

 4 signs that expose lettuce "bathed" in pesticides, don't rush to buy it just because it looks fresh and delicious

3. Strange chemical smell or lack of natural fragrance

Fresh, clean lettuce usually has a light, characteristic green vegetable aroma that gives a pleasant feeling. However, if you smell a strong chemical smell, similar to the smell of bleach or metal, it is a clear sign that the vegetable has been soaked in chemicals such as formaldehyde or pesticides. In some cases, lettuce "bathed" in chemicals can completely lose its natural aroma, leaving only a "stale" feeling when smelled.

To be sure, hold the lettuce close to your nose and smell it. If you detect any strange odors, immediately remove the lettuce from your cart. A small tip is to buy lettuce from a reputable source, such as an organic produce market or a supermarket with food safety certification, to minimize the risk.

4. There is white residue or powder on the leaves

When inspecting lettuce, if you see a fine white residue or unusual powder on the surface of the leaves, be alert! This may be traces of preservatives or pesticides left behind. These substances are often sprayed or soaked to prolong the shelf life, but are very difficult to wash off completely, causing the risk of accumulating toxins in the body if consumed for a long time.

To check, lightly touch the surface of the leaf or try washing a leaf under the tap. If you see a slight foam in the water or the leaf is still unusually shiny after washing, it is a sign that the vegetable has been chemically treated. Clean lettuce has a smooth surface, is not greasy and does not leave residue when washed. Therefore, do not skip this step to ensure safety for the whole family.

Tips for choosing safe lettuce and washing vegetables properly

To choose fresh and safe lettuce, keep in mind a few tips:

Choose a trusted source: Buy lettuce from certified organic stores, supermarkets or markets.

Prioritize seasonal vegetables: Lettuce grown in season is less likely to be sprayed with chemicals due to suitable natural conditions.

Check the roots: Fresh lettuce roots are usually slightly moist, not wilted or showing signs of rotting.

When washing lettuce, soak the vegetables in diluted salt water or baking soda solution (1 teaspoon of baking soda per 1 liter of water) for 10-15 minutes, then rinse several times under clean running water. This method helps remove most chemicals and bacteria, ensuring food safety.