All About Romaine lettuce
Your complete guide to romaine lettuce - discover how to store it properly, identify when it's gone bad, and find the best substitutes for your recipes.
How Long Does Romaine lettuce Last?
Storage times and freshness tips for romaine 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.
Whole Head/Unopened Bag in Fridge7-14 days (1-2 weeks)
Signs of Spoilage
Outer leaves becoming slimy, brown, or black; significant loss of crispness leading to limpness and a rubbery texture; a foul, slightly sour, or musty odor; visible mold (fuzzy white, blue, or black spots).
How to Check
Visually inspect the cut end for browning and outer leaves for sliminess or discoloration. Check thoroughly for any mold. Gently feel the leaves – fresh romaine should be firm and crisp; if it feels excessively soft, limp, or slimy, it's likely spoiled. Perform a smell test near the stem end or a torn leaf; a fresh, clean, slightly earthy scent is normal, while any off, sour, or strong musty smell indicates spoilage.
Storage Tips
Store romaine in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator. For whole heads, wrap loosely in a damp paper towel and then place in a perforated plastic bag or a breathable storage container to maintain humidity without trapping excessive moisture. Do not wash until you are ready to use to prevent premature spoilage. Avoid storing near ethylene-producing fruits (like apples, bananas) as this can accelerate wilting.
Washed and Cut/Opened Bag in Fridge3-7 days
Signs of Spoilage
Leaves becoming limp, soggy, or excessively wilted; browning or reddening of cut edges; a slimy texture, especially on cut surfaces or where leaves are compressed; a sour, strong, or ammonia-like smell; visible mold.
How to Check
Visually check for discoloration (browning/reddening) on edges, sliminess on surfaces, and overall limpness. Feel the leaves – if they lack crispness and have a slimy or overly soft texture, they are likely spoiled. Smell directly from the container; a fresh, light scent is good, but any strong, sour, or unpleasant odor indicates it's time to discard.
Storage Tips
After washing, ensure the lettuce is thoroughly dried (using a salad spinner is ideal) before storing, as excess moisture is the primary cause of rapid spoilage. Store in an airtight container lined with a dry paper towel to absorb any residual moisture. Change the paper towel if it becomes too damp. Avoid over-packing the container, which can crush leaves and accelerate spoilage.
Freezer (Not Recommended for Raw Consumption)1-2 months (texture degrades quickly)
Signs of Spoilage
Severe freezer burn (dry, discolored, leathery spots); an unpleasant odor upon thawing; an entirely mushy, watery, and completely limp texture after thawing, beyond what's expected for cooked greens.
How to Check
Visually inspect for extensive freezer burn. After thawing, assess the texture; if it's an unappetizing, watery pulp that's not suitable even for cooking, it's likely past its usable state. Smell the thawed lettuce; any off-smell is a clear indicator to discard.
Storage Tips
If you absolutely must freeze romaine (e.g., for blending into smoothies or for a very specific cooked application where texture isn't critical), wash and chop it, then blanch briefly (about 30 seconds) in boiling water, immediately cool in ice water, dry thoroughly, and freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to an airtight freezer bag. This method still won't yield a texture suitable for salads.