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How Do I Store Lettuce?

Eugene P.
Eugene P.

There are different ways to store lettuce, depending on the amount of lettuce and the type. The most common procedure is to wash the lettuce thoroughly, dry it, and then place it in a loose bag with some paper towels to absorb excess moisture. Some types of lettuce, such as Boston bib lettuce, are more herb-like, do not need to be washed beforehand and can be stored wrapped in a slightly damp paper towel. A large amount of lettuce can be placed in a big bowl or directly in a vegetable drawer that has been lined with thick towels. Any temperature and humidity settings in the refrigerator should be set to appropriate levels so the lettuce does not freeze, develop ice on its surface or perspire while being stored.

The main goal to store lettuce properly is to create a cold environment in which the lettuce can maintain its normal level of moisture without drawing in moisture from the refrigerator or losing water to the air. This most effectively can be implemented via a dry, absorbent towel being placed in a bag with the lettuce. When the lettuce is placed in a bag, it will release some moisture that could turn into condensation on the inside of the container and cause the lettuce to decay. The dry towel will absorb this moisture and help to keep a consistent level of humidity in the bag.

Lettuce should be stored in the vegetable drawer of a refrigerator.
Lettuce should be stored in the vegetable drawer of a refrigerator.

Preparing the lettuce for storage beforehand is important. To store lettuce that is very leafy, the leaves should be washed and dried. For larger types, such as iceberg, the root or stem can be removed to make the leaves easier to handle and store. Smaller types of lettuce, like Boston bib, do not have to be washed or trimmed first and will do well with a little moisture, like that generated by a damp towel. One advantage to trimming lettuce into individual leaves is that they will last longer because there is more space for air to flow around the leaves, especially if paper towels are used to create individual layers for each leaf.

Damp paper towels can be used to preserve the freshness of lettuce.
Damp paper towels can be used to preserve the freshness of lettuce.

It is best to store lettuce in an area of the refrigerator where the temperature and humidity can be kept constant and controlled. This usually is a vegetable drawer. The humidity should be just about at the center mark, and the temperature should be fairly cold but not at the maximum setting. The settings will help to store lettuce for a longer time by preventing the moisture in the bag from freezing, as well as keeping the lettuce cool enough so moisture does not form into droplets on the leaves.

Discussion Comments

Inaventu

I've been so disappointed with all the recommended ways to store lettuce that I've stopped buying it in bulk altogether. If I plan on making a salad or anything else that involves lettuce, I'll make a special trip to the grocery store for just enough lettuce to make that dish. If I happen to have some lettuce left over, I'll bundle it all together and store it in a plastic container or food bag.

I'm not even convinced that the so-called crisper drawer is the best place to store my lettuce, either. Sometimes it seems like produce ruins faster in a crisper drawer than in other locations in the refrigerator.

Buster29

When I worked for a Greek restaurant, we used to store heads of iceberg lettuce in a large (unused) garbage can filled with ice water. The first step was to pull off all of the spoiled outer leaves, then smack each head core-side-down on a counter. This made it easier to pull out the core later. I'd then slice each lettuce head into quarters and toss them into the ice water. They would remain in the ice water until someone ordered a salad.

I can see why this would be impractical for home kitchens, though. Most people don't have walk-in coolers or the need for that much lettuce at one time. In that case, a dryer storage method like the one mentioned in this article would be the best way to go.

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    • Lettuce should be stored in the vegetable drawer of a refrigerator.
      By: Brian Jackson
      Lettuce should be stored in the vegetable drawer of a refrigerator.
    • Damp paper towels can be used to preserve the freshness of lettuce.
      By: didecs
      Damp paper towels can be used to preserve the freshness of lettuce.
    • Fresh lettuce should be washed and dried before it can be stored.
      By: Ever
      Fresh lettuce should be washed and dried before it can be stored.