The Best Way To Store Romaine Lettuce

Thanks to the high water content of a head of Romaine lettuce — approximately 94% — storing it correctly all comes down to controlling moisture loss. Once that happens, Romaine wilts. If stored the right way, however, it's possible to extend this crisp, green vegetable's shelf life.

It all comes down to proper storage. The clamshell-style plastic containers found in supermarkets are great for displaying Romaine lettuce, if that's your thing, but not so good for keeping it fresh longer-term. That's because plastic bags and clamshells block the flow of air, thereby increasing moisture and eventually leading to deterioration.

The first step is to pick carefully, as it's important to inspect the lettuce well prior to purchasing. The outer leaves should be crisp and bunched tightly around the center (also known as the heart). If the leaves are wilted, discolored, or have mildew spots, leave it. To give yourself the best start, buy the freshest lettuce you can find. After that, it's best to loosely wrap the romaine with paper towels, an open bag, and prep your fridge's crisper drawer.

Once home, remove the lettuce, but don't automatically wash it. Wrap the romaine in paper towels, place it in the bag, but leave it slightly open, and put the entire thing in your fridge's crisper drawer (open the drawer vents if you can to increase airflow). Be sure to change out the paper towels as they become wet. If you're attentive, the romaine should last for a week this way (don't forget a key salad dressing tip for when the lettuce makes it into a meal).

You can also open the bag of lettuce, blow into it until it puffs up like a balloon, twist, and secure. What's the secret? Our breath contains carbon dioxide, which slows down ripening (obviously, skip this if you're feeling unwell). Another handy trick to help your romaine stay fresh for nearly a month: wrap the lettuce in aluminum foil. Take out only what you need and then tightly rewrap.

You can theoretically freeze lettuce, though you may not appreciate its very soft texture when thawed and most people decline to freeze lettuce for that reason. Still, if you insist, romaine (and other sturdy greens) can be frozen for up to 6 months. In this situation, be sure to wash and dry the lettuce. Separate the leaves, and place in airtight bags. Thawed lettuce can be used in casseroles and as a substitute for spinach. You could also puree the lettuce and add it to soups and smoothies for an extra nutritional boost.