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How long does lettuce last?
Quick answer
Lettuce lasts 7 days in the refrigerator, and about 4 hours at room temperature.
| Where | Safe for |
|---|---|
| 🏠 Room temperature (counter) | 4 hours |
| 🧊 Refrigerator (≤40°F / 4°C) | 7 days |
| ❄️ Freezer (0°F / −18°C) | Freezing isn't recommended — it ruins the texture or isn't safe |
Good to knowA week in the crisper. Slimy leaves = compost.
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How to tell if lettuce has gone bad
Most vegetables fade in quality long before they become unsafe. Trust your senses before any calculator — including ours. Throw lettuce away if you notice:
- An off, sour, or unusual smell that wasn't there when fresh
- A slimy, sticky, or tacky surface texture
- Visible mould or unexpected discolouration
- It's been past the safe window in the table above
⚠️ Bacteria that cause food poisoning often produce no smell, taste, or visible change. Food can look perfectly fine and still make you sick — that's why the time limits matter even when everything seems okay.
Storage tips for lettuce
Use the crisper drawer and its humidity setting: high humidity for leafy greens, low for anything that rots when damp.
Revive limp vegetables in ice water for 15–30 minutes — limp is a hydration problem, not a safety problem.
Not sure about your exact situation?
Tell the checker where your lettuce has been and for how long — get an instant verdict.
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