Preserving lettuce  is a smart move to make the most of this tasty vegetable. Whether you purchase it in the grocery store or grow it in your garden, letting a head of lettuce go bad can be a waste of time and money. This article has a few simple tips for preserving lettuce so it lasts longer.

Start by washing the leaves thoroughly. Place the lettuce in a colander and run cold water over it, making sure that all of the leaves get clean. Next, drain the excess water and pat the lettuce dry with a paper towel. Next, place the paper towel-wrapped leaves in a salad spinner and spin until all of the extra moisture is removed. When the lettuce is completely dry, put it in a zip bag and store in the fridge until you are ready to use it.

Preserve Your Greens: A Guide to Extending the Shelf Life of Lettuce

This simple trick works great for iceberg, romaine, butterhead, and other leafy greens. You can also keep tender mesclun mixes and other delicate salad greens fresh by layering them between paper towels in a plastic storage container. Make sure that you leave enough room in the container for air circulation and don’t oversaturate the paper towels with moisture.

Oxygen and excess moisture are the biggest factors in wilted lettuce, so getting your lettuce nice and dry is key. It’s also a good idea to store the lettuce in a separate container from any produce that releases high levels of ethylene gas, such as pears, tomatoes, and avocados. Check your lettuce regularly for signs of rot and discard any that are spoiled.