Lettuce keeps better if you store in the fridge without washing first so that the leaves are dry. Wash the day you are going to use.

· Cutting lettuce with a plastic knife will stop it going brown (we sell these)

· Also do not use metal bowls when mixing salads. Use wooden, glass or china (we also sell these!)

· Make your own celery flakes. Just cut and wash the leaves from the celery stalks; place them in the oven on low heat or in the hot sun until thoroughly dry. Crumble and store in an air-tight container.  (we sell these)

· The best way to store fresh celery is to wrap it in kitchen foil and put it in the fridge - it will keep for weeks.

· When tossing a salad, with a basic vinaigrette, always make the vinaigrette at least 1/2 hour ahead of time and let the mixture sit to allow the flavours to marry. Shake well, then pour the vinaigrette down the side of the bowl, not directly on the greens, for a more evenly dressed salad.

· Use paper bags rather than plastic to store lettuce in the fridge. They will stay fresh longer.

· If lettuce starts turning a little brown (but not slimy) it may not be suitable for salads, but it is for sauteing. Sauteed lettuce makes an unusual but tasty side dish; saute them just as you would spinach. Cook quickly in a little olive oil with minced garlic and salt.