Properly storing lettuce involves washing and drying it, placing it in a loose bag with paper towels, and keeping it in a cold, controlled environment. Some types of lettuce, like Boston lettuce, can be stored wrapped in a damp paper towel. Cutting lettuce into individual leaves and using paper towels to create layers can also help it last longer.
There are several 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 paper towels to absorb excess moisture. Some types of lettuce, such as Boston lettuce, are more herb-like, don’t 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 large bowl or directly into a vegetable drawer that has been lined with thick towels. All temperature and humidity settings in the refrigerator should be set to proper levels so the lettuce doesn’t freeze, develop ice on its surface, or sweat while being stored.
The main goal of storing lettuce properly is to create a cold environment where the lettuce can maintain its normal moisture level without absorbing moisture from the refrigerator or losing water into the air. This can be implemented most effectively via a dry, absorbent towel that is placed in a bag with the lettuce. When lettuce is placed in a bag, it will release moisture which may turn into condensation inside the container and cause the lettuce to rot. The dry towel will absorb this moisture and help maintain a constant level of humidity in the bag.
Preparing lettuce for storage ahead of time is important. To keep lettuce very leafy, the leaves need to 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, such as Boston bib, don’t need to be washed or cut first, and will do just fine with some moisture, such as that generated by a damp towel. One benefit to cutting lettuce into individual leaves is that they will last longer because there is more room for airflow around the leaves, especially if you use paper towels to create individual layers for each leaf.
It’s best to store lettuce in an area of the refrigerator where the temperature and humidity can be kept constant and controlled. This is usually a vegetable drawer. The humidity should be near the center, and the temperature should be quite cold but not the hottest. The settings will help keep the lettuce for a longer time by preventing the moisture in the bag from freezing, as well as keep the lettuce cool enough so that moisture doesn’t form in droplets on the leaves.
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