How to store lettuce so it lasts up to 2 weeks in the fridge
Quick answer
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Fridge
Keeps for up to 2 weeks
Keep lettuce in a clean refrigerator at 40°F (4°C) or below, where iceberg and romaine last 1 to 2 weeks and leaf lettuce lasts 3 to 7 days.
Watch out Throw away lettuce that looks rotten.
Iceberg and romaine lettuce last 1 to 2 weeks in the refrigerator, and leaf lettuce lasts 3 to 7 days, counted from the date of purchase. An unopened bag of salad greens lasts 3 to 5 days after the date on the bag, and an opened bag lasts 2 days. FoodKeeper does not recommend freezing lettuce, and the USDA lists lettuce as a food that does not freeze well.
Buying lettuce this week?
On a Listonic list, every item gets the amount you need and a note on when to use it by.
- Quantity and unit on every item
- A note like “fridge, use within a week”
- One list shared with everyone at home
Iceberg and romaine lettuce last 1 to 2 weeks in the refrigerator, and leaf lettuce lasts 3 to 7 days, counted from the date you buy it. Those are the times in the USDA FoodKeeper data.
Lettuce belongs in the fridge, and FoodKeeper does not recommend the freezer. This guide covers storing it, bagged salad greens, washing, and lettuce that looks rotten.
How long does lettuce last in the fridge?
Lettuce lasts 3 days to 2 weeks in the fridge, depending on the type, counted from the date of purchase. Iceberg and romaine last longest.
| Lettuce | Fridge | Freezer |
|---|---|---|
| Iceberg or romaine | 1 to 2 weeks | Not recommended |
| Leaf lettuce | 3 to 7 days | Not recommended |
| Bagged salad greens, unopened | 3 to 5 days after the date on the bag | Not recommended |
| Bagged salad greens, opened | 2 days | Not recommended |
How long do bagged salad greens last?
An unopened bag of salad greens lasts 3 to 5 days after the date on the bag, and an opened bag lasts 2 days. FoodKeeper’s line covers leaf lettuce, spinach, and other bagged greens.
Refrigerate all produce you buy pre-cut or packaged, and choose only bags that are refrigerated or surrounded by ice.
How to store lettuce
Store lettuce in the refrigerator, and buy heads that aren’t bruised or damaged.
Does lettuce have to be refrigerated?
Yes. The FDA lists lettuce among the perishable fresh produce to keep in a clean refrigerator at 40°F (4°C) or below.
How long can lettuce sit out?
Lettuce can sit out for no more than 2 hours, or 1 hour if the air temperature is above 90°F. That is the two-hour rule in the FDA’s advice on storing food safely, which covers produce and other foods that need refrigeration.
Refrigerate lettuce as soon as you get it home. The FDA also says not to crowd the refrigerator so tightly that air can’t circulate.
How to store romaine lettuce
Store romaine like any other lettuce, in the refrigerator. It lasts 1 to 2 weeks from the date of purchase, the same time FoodKeeper gives iceberg.
How to keep lettuce fresh longer
To keep lettuce fresh, keep it in the refrigerator and cover it with plastic wrap if you want it to stay moist. The USDA suggests plastic wrap for foods you want to stay moist, including fresh or cut vegetables and green and mixed salads.
Cut away damaged or bruised areas as you use the lettuce, and use it within the times in the table above.
How to keep shredded lettuce fresh
To keep shredded lettuce fresh, store it in the refrigerator at 40°F (4°C) or below and cover it with plastic wrap. The USDA suggests plastic wrap for cut vegetables and green salads you want to stay moist.
Shredded lettuce from a bag counts as bagged greens, so an opened bag lasts 2 days. When you take it out to serve, the two-hour rule above applies.
Can you freeze lettuce?
No. FoodKeeper does not recommend freezing lettuce, and the USDA’s freezing and food safety page lists lettuce with mayonnaise and cream sauce as foods that do not freeze well.
Use lettuce within its fridge time instead.
Can you freeze romaine lettuce?
No. FoodKeeper does not recommend freezing iceberg or romaine lettuce, so use romaine within 1 to 2 weeks of buying it.
Can you freeze arugula?
USDA FoodKeeper gives arugula no freezer time, only 3 to 7 days in the refrigerator. That’s the same fridge range it gives leaf lettuce, so plan to eat arugula within that time.
How to wash lettuce
Rinse lettuce under plain running water, gently rub it, and dry it with a clean cloth or paper towel, as the FDA’s tips for cleaning fruits and vegetables explain. Also remove the outermost leaves of a head of lettuce.
Skip soap, detergent, and commercial produce wash. Produce is porous and can absorb them.
Do you need to wash pre-washed lettuce?
No, not when the package says the lettuce is pre-washed or ready-to-eat. You can use it without further washing.
If you choose to wash it anyway, keep it away from unclean surfaces and utensils to avoid cross contamination.
How to tell if lettuce is bad
Lettuce that looks rotten has gone bad, so throw it away. Cut away damaged or bruised areas before you prepare or eat the rest.
Count the days for bagged greens too, because an opened bag lasts 2 days.
Frequently asked questions
How long does leaf lettuce last?
Leaf lettuce lasts 3 to 7 days in the refrigerator, counted from the date of purchase, according to FoodKeeper.
Can you freeze bagged salad greens?
No. FoodKeeper does not recommend freezing bagged greens such as leaf lettuce and spinach.
Does washing lettuce remove all bacteria?
No. Washing reduces bacteria but does not eliminate them. Drying lettuce with a clean cloth or paper towel reduces bacteria further.
Can you eat bagged lettuce after the date on the bag?
An unopened bag lasts 3 to 5 days after the date on the bag, according to FoodKeeper. Once you open it, it lasts 2 days.
