There are so many different types of lettuce – whether your fave is butterhead, Romaine, loose leaf, or iceberg lettuce, you can grab a head of lettuce from the grocery store almost any time of the year but this leafy green is a cool weather crop, so in the US it’s in season in spring or fall and that’s when you’ll be able to find it at it’s peak at your local farmers’ market. A local source is likely to taste fresher and to have more vitamins and minerals. Win-win!
When choosing lettuce leaves make sure they are fresh and crispy. Choose lettuce heads with healthy outer leaves, and avoid limp, wilted lettuce leaves or any with dark, soggy or slimy spots. The stem can also show how fresh the lettuce is—it will brown and dry with age while the end of a freshly cut lettuce is moist.
Lettuce has a short shelf life due to its high water content and begins to wilt once cut, so the sooner you eat it the better it will taste! In terms of storage tips to keep lettuce fresh, remove any bands or twist ties after bringing it home, and store lettuce in an airtight container with a damp cloth. If purchased pre-washed in a plastic clamshell storage container, store in the refrigerator as-is, making sure to keep the container sealed and tightly closed after opening. Lettuce lasts for about a week, depending on how fresh it was to begin with. If you find yourself with a surplus of lettuce, know that it can’t be successfully frozen or preserved. To avoid spoilage, cook with it instead—my Lettuce Soup recipe is a great option!
Remember to wash lettuce thoroughly before eating. Romaine lettuce especially has been linked to enterotoxigenic E. coli outbreaks in recent years. You can wash your leafy veggies by submerging them in a large bowl of cold water, lifting and re-dunking gently until any dirt or debris is removed. Then dry them in a salad spinner or pat dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to remove excess water. This veggie should be washed just before use to help keep lettuce crisp and crunchy! A similar approach can be taken for other popular salad greens like arugula, chard, and kale.
Shop Like a Pro
If you’re looking for tips on how to shop, select and store other foods check out these posts!
