How to store lettuce from garden you’re growing your own lettuce in the garden, or if you’re a lucky enough to purchase it at the store, proper storage techniques can ensure that your fresh greens stay crisp and crunchy. Leafy greens, including iceberg and romaine heads as well as loose-leaf varieties like spinach and kale, are most commonly stored in the fridge’s crisper drawer for optimal freshness and texture.

This is because the cool environment in the refrigerator slows down the natural ripening processes and reduces the growth of bacteria that can harm vegetables. However, it’s important to wash your lettuce thoroughly before storing so that any dirt or insects are removed. This is especially true for garden lettuce, which can harbor soil-borne bacteria that can make you sick.

Garden to Table: How to Store Lettuce from Your Garden for Long-Lasting Freshness

Once you’ve rinsed your lettuce, dry it by patting it down with a paper towel or using a salad spinner. Moisture is another contributing factor in lettuce wilting, so you want to remove as much water as possible before storing it. You can also revive a wilted head of lettuce by soaking it in cold or ice water for 30 minutes to an hour.

To keep your lettuce crisp, you should store it in a container or plastic bag with plenty of space for air circulation and a paper towel inside to absorb excess moisture. Alternatively, you can roll your lettuce leaves up and place them in a resealable plastic bag. Make sure to squeeze all the air out before sealing the bag to extend its shelf life even more.