All About Lettuce leaves
Your complete guide to lettuce leaves - discover how to store it properly, identify when it's gone bad, and find the best substitutes for your recipes.
How Long Does Lettuce leaves Last?
Storage times and freshness tips for lettuce leaves 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.
Unopened Head/Bag in Fridge5-10 days, up to 2 weeks for some sturdy varieties like iceberg or romaine
Signs of Spoilage
Wilting, browning or rust-colored edges, dark spots, slimy texture, strong unpleasant or sour odor.
How to Check
Visual: Look for crispness and vibrant color. Brown or translucent areas, or visible mold, are clear signs of spoilage. Touch: Leaves should be firm and crisp; if they are soft, limp, or slimy, they are past their prime. Smell: A fresh, earthy smell is good; a strong, sour, or fishy odor indicates spoilage.
Storage Tips
Store whole heads in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator. For best results, keep them in a loose plastic bag or wrap loosely in a damp paper towel to maintain humidity. Do not wash lettuce until you are ready to use it, as excess moisture can accelerate spoilage. Pre-washed bags should be checked against their 'best by' date.
Washed/Prepared Leaves in Fridge2-5 days
Signs of Spoilage
Rapid wilting, browning/darkening of edges (especially cut edges), development of a slimy coating, strong sour or off-odor.
How to Check
Visual: Leaves will lose their crispness and vibrant color, becoming limp and dull. Brown or black spots will appear more quickly than on an unwashed head. Touch: The texture will be soft, wet, and eventually slimy. Smell: A fresh, clean, slightly grassy smell should be present. Any sour, pungent, or rotten smell indicates spoilage.
Storage Tips
Thoroughly drying lettuce after washing is crucial to extending its shelf life; use a salad spinner or paper towels. Store dried leaves in an airtight container lined with a paper towel to absorb any residual moisture. Change the paper towel daily if it becomes too damp. Keep prepared lettuce away from fruits that emit ethylene gas (e.g., apples, bananas, tomatoes), as this can accelerate browning and spoilage.