Lettuce can wilt pretty quickly, leaving you with brown, watery leaves that are so unappealing to smell – let alone eat.
So, in order to try and prolong its shelf life as much as possible and have a decent period of time to consume it, there are some simple storage steps to follow.
Before storing it in the fridge skip the wash, even if it means having to do it last minute while preparing the rest of the food.
The natural moisture in the leaves helps them stay fresh, but extra water can make them wilt.
Wash iceberg lettuce only when you’re ready to use it and make sure you store each type of lettuce appropriately.
This means regular iceberg lettuce is best stored wrapped tightly in a plastic wrap.
With this method, your iceberg will last in the fridge for up to 10-12 days.
For baby iceberg, use a perforated plastic bag (like the ones restaurants use) to store it in the fridge for up to a week.
You can find these bags at most grocery stores or online for pretty affordable prices – and they might save you some money in the long run thanks to this storage technique.
Romaine lettuce, unlike iceberg, can be washed beforehand. But in a pinch, an unwashed head stays just as fresh in a loosely closed plastic bag.
For longer storage, washing is recommended. Simply separate the leaves, give them a gentle rinse, and pat them dry.
Place them in a sealed plastic bag and store them in the crisper drawer. This method keeps whole romaine heads crisp for 10-20 days, while hearts stay good for seven to 10 days.
Loose leaf lettuce saves you time in the kitchen, but a quick extra step goes a long way when trying to keep it as crisp as possible.
Even though it’s usually pre-washed (whether bagged or boxed), a final rinse keeps it even fresher for your meals.
