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Vegetables

How to Store Lettuce

Wrap lettuce loosely with a towel and keep it dry.

Best kept: Refrigerator (crisper drawer)

Pantry

Not recommended

Fridge

Whole head: 1–2 weeks; Cut: 3–5 days

Freezer

Not recommended

How to store it

  • •Keep whole heads unwashed and loosely wrapped in a paper towel inside a bag.
  • •For cut lettuce, line the container with a paper towel and reseal after each use.
  • •Store away from ethylene-producing fruit like apples.

Signs it has gone bad

  • •Slimy leaves
  • •Brown or rusty edges
  • •Wilting that won't revive
  • •Off smell

Pro tips

  • •Soak wilted leaves in ice water for 15 minutes to crisp them up.
  • •Don't freeze lettuce — it turns to mush.

Frequently asked questions

How long does lettuce last in the fridge?+

In the refrigerator, lettuce keeps for whole head: 1–2 weeks; cut: 3–5 days. Store it correctly and use the oldest first.

Can you freeze lettuce?+

Freezing lettuce isn't recommended — it doesn't hold up well and the texture suffers.

What is the best way to store lettuce?+

Best kept in the refrigerator (crisper drawer). Keep whole heads unwashed and loosely wrapped in a paper towel inside a bag.

How can you tell if lettuce has gone bad?+

Signs that lettuce has spoiled include: slimy leaves, brown or rusty edges, wilting that won't revive. When in doubt, throw it out.

Recipes to use your lettuce

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