Do not remove the stem from butter lettuce, or any lettuce with loose, tender leaves.
If the lettuce feels dry, dampen the paper towels. [4] X Research source If the lettuce is wet enough to soak the towels, squeeze them out and wrap the lettuce again in the same, moist paper towels. If the lettuce is a bag of loose leaves, spin them dry in a salad spinner.
If you press out all the air and seal the container completely, the lettuce may develop off flavors due to poor respiration. [7] X Trustworthy Source Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations Specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for leading international efforts to end world hunger and improve nutrition Go to source Leaving a little air or cracking the container slightly may be a better idea, especially with leaf lettuce or a fridge that’s on the warm side.
Do not squeeze the leaves into tight spaces with other foods, which may cause bruising. Do not store in the same drawer as apples, pears, or tomatoes, which release high amounts of ethylene gas that can cause spoilage.
If the lettuce starts to wilt or you see colorful liquid building up in the container, your lettuce has gone bad.
Carbon dioxide is not beneficial for intact lettuce heads.
Freeze 1 tsp (5mL) white vinegar in a spice jar or other small container. Pour 1 tsp (5mL) baking soda onto the frozen vinegar. Leave the lid off the jar, and cover with several layers of paper towel. Fasten with a rubber band. Keep this jar upright in a sealed container of lettuce. The vinegar will slowly melt and react with the baking soda to create CO2.
You can imitate a vacuum packing machine with a much cheaper (but less effective) hand pump. Punch a hole through the jar lid with a thumbtack, cover it with electrical tape, and pump air out through the tape. [13] X Research source This will not work with a plastic bag of lettuce, as the leaves will be crushed in the vacuum. [14] X Research source
