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 .