How to Store Lettuce So It Stays Fresh for 2 Weeks or More

If salads and sandwiches are part of your weekly rotation, there's a good chance your refrigerator is stocked with lettuce. The vegetable has a lot to offer, between its crisp texture, green color, and fresh flavor. But unless lettuce is stored properly, it can quickly lose these qualities, along with its nutritional value.

Different lettuces and storage methods will dictate how long your greens stay fresh, but some can last for two weeks or more, depending on how you store them. Ahead, experts explain how to store lettuce, whether it's whole heads or cut, and offer tips for making it last longer.

Preparing Lettuce for Storage

Before storing a lettuce head, be sure to remove any damaged or wilted leaves, as they contain bacteria that can spread to other parts of the lettuce. Leaving them on the head will make the lettuce spoil much faster, says Bryan Quoc Le, PhD, food scientist, food consultant, and author of 150 Food Science Questions Answered.

It's also not recommended to wash lettuce before storing it, says Kimberly Baker, PhD, RD, LD, director of the Clemson Extension Food Systems and Safety Program Team. "The longer lettuce is kept wet or moist [from] washing, the more quickly it will deteriorate from the water," she explains. "Water present in the leaves for an extended period can also promote the growth of mold." With that in mind, wait to wash lettuce until you're ready to use it.

Storing Whole Lettuce Heads

Whole lettuce heads will last longer than cut lettuce, so avoid separating or cutting the leaves until you're ready to use them. 

To store whole lettuce heads, follow these steps, as recommended by Le:

1. Wrap the lettuce head in a paper towel or dish towel to absorb excess moisture.
2. Place in a plastic bag.
3. Store in the crisper drawer.

The exception is iceberg lettuce, which is often wrapped in plastic. In this case, you can leave the plastic packaging and keep it in the crisper drawer as usual.

Additionally, if a head of lettuce is sold in a plastic clamshell, your best bet is to transfer it to a microperforated plastic bag and store it in the crisper drawer, says Nathan Lyon, chef, cookbook author, and host of A Lyon in the Kitchen on Discovery Health. Keeping it in the clamshell container will retain too much humidity and promote decay, but the microperforated bag will allow air to circulate and promote freshness, he says.

Shelf Life

With proper storage, whole lettuce heads will last one to three weeks in the refrigerator, according to Le.

Storing Cut Lettuce Heads

Ideally, you'll only cut or remove lettuce leaves when you're ready to use them. But if you must store cut lettuce, be sure to follow these steps to keep them fresh:

1. Rinse the leaves under running water.
2. Dry them with a clean paper towel, making sure to remove excess moisture. You can also use a salad spinner.
3. Line the bottom of a plastic bag or container with paper towels, then place the
   lettuce on top.
4. Place more paper towels on top. This will help absorb extra moisture.
5. Put the bag or container in the crisper drawer.

Shelf Life

When stored correctly, cut lettuce will stay fresh for one to two weeks, says Le. One exception is butterhead lettuce, which has a shorter life.

Storing Lettuce in Water

Keeping lettuce in water might seem counterintuitive, as a key part of lettuce storage involves drying the leaves. However, when used properly, water can keep lettuce hydrated and crispy.

The technique involves the following steps:

1. Cut the bottom of the lettuce head.
2. Place the lettuce leaves in a large container, such as a large mason jar or bowl.
3. Add enough water to fully submerge the lettuce.
4. Secure the lid on the container or, if using a bowl, tightly cover with plastic wrap.
5. Place in the refrigerator.
6. Change the water every one to three days to prevent bacterial growth.

Shelf Life

Le says lettuce can last two to three weeks stored in water.

Can You Freeze Lettuce?

Freezing lettuce might seem a great way to extend its lifespan, but it's not the best move, as the method will ruin the crisp texture of the leaves, says Le. "The ice that forms during the freezing process [will] rupture the cell walls, which causes the lettuce leaves to become limp when thawed," he adds. However, if you enjoy lettuce in dishes where its crispness doesn't take centerstage (i.e., in soups or stews), you can freeze lettuce and add it directly to these dishes, says Le.

How to Make Lettuce Heads Last Longer

Buy Fresh Heads

The fresher the lettuce head, the longer it will last at home—so take the time to look for the best one at the supermarket. "When shopping for lettuce, stay away from [heads with] discolored, limp, blemished, or yellowing leaves," says Lyon. These are signs of spoilage and indicate that the lettuce is on its way out. Instead, choose lettuce that is crisp, vibrant, and [has] no signs of wilting, he suggests.

Separate From Ethylene-Producing Items

Store lettuce away from fruits and vegetables that release ethylene, a natural gas that ripens produce. This includes items like bananas, pears, and apples. Otherwise, ethylene will speed up how quickly the lettuce metabolizes its sugars, causing the lettuce to break down, says Le.

Keep Away From Strong Odors

Due to its fragile structure and high water content, lettuce can easily absorb odors from other foods. This can negatively affect the taste, shelf-life, and overall quality of the lettuce. Thus, it's best to store lettuce away from items with strong odors, such as apples, garlic, onions, carrots, pears, citrus fruits, and grapes, says Le.

Signs Lettuce Has Gone Bad

Even with proper storage, lettuce will eventually spoil. This happens when cells in the lettuce decay and release moisture. This moisture encourages bacterial growth, ultimately breaking down the lettuce and producing a slimy substance, says Le. If your lettuce is slimy, wilting, or browning, take it as a sign that your lettuce has gone bad, says Lyon.

Reviving Limp Lettuce

Once your lettuce is slimy or shriveled, it's too far gone and should be thrown away. But if it's just a little limp, you might be able to revive it. Try these tips for bringing your lettuce back to life:

• Check the Lettuce: Make sure there are no slimy spots and see if it can be saved.
• Prepare an Ice Bath: Fill a large bowl or salad spinner with cold water and ice cubes.
• Soak the Lettuce: Submerge the wilted leaves in the ice water, letting them sit about 30 minutes.
• Drain and Dry: Remove the lettuce, gently shaking off excess water. Pat dry with a clean towel or use a salad spinner.