Lettuce can stay fresh for up to three weeks when stored in a cup of water, according to sustainability expert Wendy Graham. Writing on her blog Moral Fibres, she shared her "tried and tested" plastic-free techniques for storing lettuce so that it "stays fresh for longer for as much as up to three weeks".
Three storage methods compared
Graham highlighted that there are "three main ways" to store lettuce to keep it fresher for longer. However, only one of these methods will keep this vegetable crisp for three weeks: the cup of water method.
Tea towel method
For the first method, begin by removing any slimy leaves, then give the remaining leaves a thorough wash. You don't have to wash the leaves, but it will prove more convenient to do so. Next, dry the leaves off as thoroughly as you can, either with a salad spinner or a tea towel. Now, take another clean, dry tea towel and lay your lettuce greens out on it. Then carefully roll up the towel, "like you would roll a Swiss roll", and store the lettuce (towel and all) in the bottom drawer of your fridge.
Graham explained: "The tea towel method works because the towel absorbs any excess moisture, keeping the lettuce fresher for longer." She discovered that the lettuce "stays fresh for around a week" when using this particular technique.
Jar method
For the second method, use a large, clean and dry lidded jar, or a glass food storage container. Remove any wilted or damaged leaves from your lettuce. Next, rinse the remaining lettuce and dry it thoroughly with a salad spinner or a tea towel to remove as much moisture as possible. Chop or tear the lettuce leaves into whichever size you prefer. Finally, place the dry leaves into the jar.
Secure the lid and put it into your fridge. Washing eliminates any bacteria and spoilage triggers, while drying prevents the leaves from becoming soggy. Stored in a sealed glass jar, the leaves remain crisp thanks to consistent humidity levels and protection from bruising. Graham claimed: "Your lettuce should stay fresh for about a week in the jar."
Cup of water method
This method involves storing a whole head of lettuce in a cup or bowl of water to keep it fresh longer. Simply trim a small amount from the base of the lettuce, then place it into a cup of water (cut end facing down) until you are ready to use it.
Graham said: "Not only will your lettuce stay fresh, but it may also continue to grow." Keep it in the fridge or on your worktop — wherever space allows. Remember to replace the water once it turns cloudy, or top it up as required.
Keeping a lettuce head submerged in water maintains its hydration, as the lettuce absorbs moisture through the stem. This ensures the "leaves stay crisp and fresh, and help to prevent wilting and browning".
Graham explained: "A lettuce head can last about one to three weeks stored in this way, depending on the variety and how fresh it was to begin with. I've found that romaine lettuce tends to do particularly well this way, staying crisp for the longest. Softer lettuces, like butterhead, tend to have a slightly shorter run."
