Lettuce often becomes soggy or mouldy when kept in plastic packaging, but it will stay fresh for much longer if you take it out and store it with a common kitchen item: a paper towel. According to Kristin Marr, cook and founder of Live Simply, placing paper towels on top of lettuce leaves absorbs extra moisture, preventing premature rotting and slimy greens.
Why Lettuce Spoils Quickly
Lettuce has an exceptionally high water content and a thinner protective layer than most vegetables, making it vulnerable to bacteria. While supermarket packaging protects lettuce during transit, it traps moisture, creating a damp environment that accelerates spoilage and mould growth.
The Paper Towel Solution
Using a paper towel keeps lettuce dry by soaking up surplus moisture. Kristin Marr explains: "The towel will soak up extra moisture, keeping the greens from getting too wet which causes premature rotting and slimy greens." This simple trick can preserve freshness for up to a week or two longer.
How to Store Lettuce Properly
To store lettuce correctly in under five minutes: pull apart the leaves from the head and place them in a container—glass containers work best, but plastic or sandwich bags also suffice. Place a paper towel around the leaves and another on top to absorb moisture. Do not seal the lid tightly; some airflow helps water evaporate. For sandwich bags, keep them loosely sealed. Keep the lettuce in the fridge; it should remain crisp for at least a week, often longer.
Additional Tips
If storing a prepared salad, keep moisture-releasing ingredients like tomatoes and cucumbers separate to prevent lettuce from deteriorating faster.
