Produce · Shelf Life · 2026
🥬 How Long Does Lettuce Last?
How long lettuce stays fresh in the fridge — whole heads vs cut vs bagged.
QUICK ANSWER
A whole head of lettuce lasts 7-10 days in the refrigerator. Cut lettuce lasts 3-5 days. Pre-washed bagged lettuce lasts 3-5 days after opening.
How Long Does Lettuce Last?
Signs Lettuce Has Gone Bad
- ⚠️ Brown or slimy outer leaves
- ⚠️ Wilting or mushy texture
- ⚠️ Unpleasant smell
- ⚠️ Excessive yellowing
Lettuce Storage Tips
- Wrap in paper towels to absorb excess moisture
- Store in the crisper drawer at high humidity setting
- Do not wash until ready to use — moisture accelerates wilting
- Remove outer damaged leaves before storing
- Keep away from ethylene-producing fruits like apples
⚠️
Brown edges on lettuce are unappealing but not harmful — remove the affected leaves and use the rest. Slimy, foul-smelling lettuce should be discarded.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Soak wilted lettuce leaves in ice water for 15-30 minutes. The lettuce will crisp up significantly through osmosis.
No — washing before storage adds moisture and accelerates spoilage. Wash only right before you plan to use it.
Opened bagged salad lasts 3-5 days. Reseal the bag tightly with a clip or transfer to an airtight container with a paper towel.
Eatvora tracks your lettuce purchase date and suggests salad recipes so you use it within the 7-day window before it goes limp.