How long does lettuce last?
Lettuce keeps for 1 to 2 weeks in the fridge. Freezing is not recommended. USDA lists 2 kinds of lettuce; the first is shown here and all are in the table below.
iceberg, romaine
No guideline
1 to 2 weeks
from the package date
Not recommended
All kinds of lettuce, side by side
| Kind | Pantry | Fridge | After opening | Freezer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| iceberg, romaine | no guideline | 1 to 2 weeks | no guideline | Not recommended |
| leaf, spinach | no guideline | 3 to 7 days | no guideline | Not recommended |
No guideline: USDA gives no time for that place, usually because the food is not stored that way.
How to tell lettuce has gone bad
General signs for produce: fresh vegetables, the group USDA lists lettuce under.
- Slimy, wet leaves on greens that were crisp before
- Soft or mushy spots on vegetables that were firm
- Sprouting or wrinkled skin on potatoes and onions
- Mould, often white or fuzzy, near the stem or cut end
- Sour or off smell replacing a vegetable's usual earthy scent
More on produce: fresh vegetables. The times above are quality guidelines, not safety limits; food that shows these signs goes out regardless of the date.
Storage habits that make the difference
Store leafy greens loosely wrapped in the crisper drawer, ideally with a paper towel to absorb extra moisture. Keep potatoes, onions and garlic in a cool, dark, dry place outside the fridge, and store potatoes away from onions since they spoil each other faster. Trim and wash vegetables just before cooking.
More in produce: fresh vegetables
Source: USDA FSIS FoodKeeper dataset (public domain). Times assume a fridge at 40 F (4 C) and a freezer at 0 F (-18 C). How we decode the data.