A leafy vegetable having a core end and a leafy end is processed after
being harvested. The harvested leafy vegetable is transported to a trim
area on a conveyor. A first cutting implement located in the trim area
trims a portion of the core end. A second cutting implement located in
the trim area trims a portion of the leafy end. The first and second
cutting implements are spaced a set distance apart, which defines an
amount of the leafy vegetable remaining after the portions of the core
and leafy ends are trimmed. As the portions of the core and leafy ends of
the leafy vegetable are being trimmed by the first and second cutting
implements, a set of one or more nozzles located in the trim area sprays
a rinsing liquid on cut sites on the leafy vegetable to rinse off natural
juices exuding from the cut sites.