Abstract: An apparatus for drying lettuce and other vegetables including a basket in which wet lettuce is placed, a holder in which the basket is removably received, and a motor for rotating the basket and holder. When the basket is rotated to expel water through openings in its sidewalls by centrifugal force, the sidewalls bend outwardly to engage the holder and center the basket.The holding mechanism is normally held against rotation by a brake. When the motor is energized, current flows through the brake to release it. As a safety feature, no power is applied to the motor and brake circuits when the device is not in operation.