Fresh
Often infested with many different types of insects and worms (Illustration 270).
Choose nice leaves (without bumps or stains Illustration 269) and clean them thoroughly:
Method 1. Soak in soapy water, then rub the entire surface of each leaf on both sides with a sponge. Make sure especially to rub in the junctions where the veins meet, on the underside of the leaf (Illustration 271). Then rinse the leaves well.
Method 2: Freeze for at least 48 hours. Defrost. Then wash well while rubbing the entire surface thoroughly with a sponge.
Pickled grape leaves with a high-quality hechsher certifying that it’s “bug-free.”
Should be rinsed under the tap before use.
Rice-stuffed pickled grape leaves
Not recommended.
