How do you know if Lettuce has gone bad?

Lettuce has likely gone bad if you notice brown or rusty edges, dark slimy spots; sour or off smell; wilted, slimy, or limp leaves. When in doubt, throw it out.

How long can Lettuce sit out before it goes bad?

Lettuce should not be left out more than 2 hours (1 hour above 90°F / 32°C). Refrigerate promptly.

How Long Does Lettuce Last?

Q: How long does Lettuce last in the fridge?

Lettuce lasts 7–10 days in the refrigerator. Keep lettuce in the crisper drawer wrapped loosely with a paper towel to manage humidity. Tear rather than cut leaves to slow browning.

Q: Can you freeze Lettuce?

Freezing Lettuce is not recommended.

Lettuce keeps 7–10 days in the refrigerator, according to cited USDA/FDA storage references.

2 cited USDA/FDA/FSIS sources
Editorial review · Verified June 2026

7–10 days

Safe range

Not recommended

Do not keep

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Based on USDA/FSIS guidance:

Cut vegetables are perishable — refrigerate within 2 hours and use within a few days for best quality and safety.

The cited storage data lists 7–10 days refrigerated for this food. Source

Discard slimy leaves and wash the rest before eating. Bagged salads should be used by their date and discarded if they smell off.

How to tell if it's gone bad

Look:Brown or rusty edges, dark slimy spots
Smell:Sour or off smell
Texture:Wilted, slimy, or limp leaves

When in doubt, throw it out. If Lettuce smells, looks, or feels off — discard it. Food poisoning is not worth the risk.

Can you freeze Lettuce?

Freezing Lettuce is not recommended for this storage state. Use the storage guidance above.

Freezing lettuce isn't recommended: the leaves are almost entirely water, so ice crystals rupture the cells and it thaws into limp, brown mush with no crunch left. There's no practical way to preserve the crispness that makes lettuce worth eating raw. Buy it in smaller amounts instead, and revive slightly wilted leaves in ice water rather than freezing them.

Full freezing guide →

How to store Lettuce

Keep Lettuce covered in the refrigerator. Use the refrigerator duration shown above for this food state.

Storage tips

Keep lettuce in the crisper drawer wrapped loosely with a paper towel to manage humidity. Tear rather than cut leaves to slow browning.

Is it still good?

Enter when you bought or opened it and where it's stored.

Common questions

How long can Lettuce sit out before it goes bad?: Lettuce should not be left out more than 2 hours (1 hour above 90°F / 32°C). Refrigerate promptly.

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