Grocery shopping is done. You restock the kitchen, thinking about a new recipe for the romaine lettuce you just brought home. As you put it in the fridge, you pause and wonder:
How long will that head of romaine lettuce last?
Surprisingly, there's more than one answer to the question. It all depends on how you prep the lettuce and your preferred storage method.
Let's take a bite out of everything you need to know about making romaine lettuce last.
What Helps Romaine Lettuce Stay Fresh?
To stay fresh and crisp, romaine lettuce needs two things: air circulation and the right amount of moisture. You can control both in the refrigerator and the freezer.
For example, romaine in the fridge lasts longer inside containers that allow plenty of airflow. You need a different storage strategy for romaine lettuce in the freezer.
It's important to remember that keeping romaine fresh and safe starts with properly washing the lettuce.
Read on for smart storage tips that help romaine last longer in both environments.
How Long Does Romaine Lettuce Last in the Fridge?
A whole head of romaine should keep in the fridge for 10 to 20 days, while the hearts usually last a week to 10 days.
Make sure you make the most of both by following these tips for storing romaine in the refrigerator.
1. Packaged Romaine
Extend the shelf life of bagged romaine by giving the lettuce room to breathe.
Open the package before storing it in the fridge, and rotate it inside the bag every day.
2. Unwashed & Uncut Romaine
The tight outer leaves on romaine help keep it fresh, so the head should last for as long as 20 days.
It's important to note that the CDC recommends washing fresh produce before storing.
3. Washed Romaine
Whole heads last longer in the refrigerator when they're drained well after washing.
Ensure abundant air circulation around refrigerated romaine lettuce by storing it away from other produce.
4. Chopped Romaine
Place damp paper towels between layers of cut or shredded romaine, and store in plastic containers or bags.
Leaving both slightly open helps keep chopped romaine fresh for up to one week.
How Long Does Romaine Last in the Freezer?
You'd like to make sure you have extra romaine for menu planning, and that brings up another good question:
Can you freeze romaine lettuce?
Yes, you can.
Romaine has less water content and thicker leaves than most types of lettuce, so it can handle this type of cold storage.
Simply wash, dry and prep the romaine, and then place it in freezer bags. Squeeze out excess air, and expect the lettuce to last up to six months.
Keep in mind that the texture will change. Romaine stored in the freezer is ideal for cooked dishes.
It's a delicious addition to soups, casseroles and stir-fry recipes. You can also use it to add flavor and nutrition to smoothies.
How Do You Make Romaine Lettuce Last Longer?
Moisture helps romaine hold on to its crisp texture, but does romaine lettuce last longer in water?
The short answer is no.
You can often revive wilted romaine by soaking it in ice water for half an hour.
However, it's best to think of this as a rescue technique.
Instead, use these simple tips for keeping romaine lettuce fresh and crisp.
Check as You Prep – When you trim the root end of a romaine head, gently pull back the leaves and check their condition. Discard damaged or blemished leaves that can compromise lettuce freshness.
Dry Your Lettuce – Romaine needs a little moisture to keep it crisp, but too much can spoil its texture. Drain freshly washed lettuce in a spinner basket or colander for five minutes.
Give It Breathing Room – Good airflow prevents the condensation that can wilt romaine stored in the refrigerator. Keep whole heads and prepped romaine in ventilated or half-opened bags.
Avoid Ethylene Producers – Romaine lettuce ages more quickly when it's stored near ethylene-producing fruits and vegetables. For example, tomatoes can have a negative effect on romaine's shelf life.
FAQs
1. How do restaurants keep lettuce crisp?
Restaurants chefs store their lettuce in special perforated bins that take advantage of the ample airflow inside large walk-in coolers.
Foodservice professionals also buy the freshest produce available from trusted growers.
2. How can you tell if romaine lettuce is bad?
When romaine lettuce spoils, the head feels soft to the touch. Peeling away outer leaves might reveal a fresh core, but slimy leaves are usually a bad sign.
Mushy romaine lettuce with an unpleasant odor should always be thrown away.
3. Is it OK to eat lettuce that's a little brown?
Yes. Foodservice professionals refer to the spots on romaine lettuce as rust. They're the result of exposure to excess moisture, but the small brown patches aren't harmful.
Simply slice off the blemished areas, and prep the romaine as usual.
Serving You With Our Finest
It's easy to understand why romaine lettuce is so popular with home and professional chefs. The lettuce serves up a delicious combination of fresh taste and healthy benefits.
We hope our overview helps you get the most out of the special leafy vegetable.
Here at Hitchcock Farms, we're committed to serving you with premium produce and culinary tips you can use every day. It's always our pleasure to supply the very best from our fields to your table.
