All About Butter lettuce
Your complete guide to butter lettuce - discover how to store it properly, identify when it's gone bad, and find the best substitutes for your recipes.
How Long Does Butter lettuce Last?
Storage times and freshness tips for butter lettuce in different conditions.
Safety first: This guide provides general information. When in doubt, throw it out! Trust your senses and err on the side of caution. If something smells, looks, or tastes off, don't consume it.
Raw in Fridge (Whole Head, Unwashed)5-7 days
Signs of Spoilage
Significant wilting or limpness, yellowing or browning of leaves (especially edges), dark or mushy spots, sliminess on the leaves, sour or unpleasant odor.
How to Check
Visually inspect for discoloration (yellow, brown, black) and mushy areas. Touch the leaves – they should feel relatively crisp; if they are very soft or slimy, they are bad. Smell the lettuce – a fresh, mild, earthy scent is good; a strong, sour, or 'rotting' smell indicates spoilage.
Storage Tips
Store unwashed in its original packaging or loosely wrapped in a damp paper towel inside a plastic bag or airtight container in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator. Avoid tightly packing or crushing the delicate leaves. Moisture is the enemy of fresh greens, but a little dampness (from the paper towel) can help prevent drying out.
Raw in Fridge (Washed, Cut, or Opened Package)3-5 days
Signs of Spoilage
Rapid wilting and limpness, browning or rust-colored edges (especially on cut surfaces), dark wet spots, significant sliminess, strong sour or 'off' smell.
How to Check
Visually check for browning on cut edges, yellowing, or any dark, wet, or slimy areas. Touch the leaves – they will feel very limp, soft, and potentially slimy. A sour, strong, or 'rotting' smell is a clear indicator it has gone bad.
Storage Tips
Wash lettuce just before use. If washing ahead, ensure it is thoroughly dried (a salad spinner works best) before storing. Place the dry lettuce in an airtight container lined with a dry paper towel to absorb excess moisture. Change the paper towel if it becomes visibly damp. Store in the crisper drawer.