You can can you preserve lettuce iceberg , romaine, or any other leafy green for days or even weeks in the refrigerator using the simple method described below. The key is getting the lettuce dry and sealing it well to keep oxygen out. Also, keeping it away from ethylene-producing neighbors (like tomatoes, pears, and avocados) helps prolong the life of your greens.

Can you preserve lettuce by submerging it? Yes, but it’s not as effective as storing it in the fridge. The problem is that water can contain bacteria, which can grow on the lettuce and make you sick if you eat it.

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The best way to store a head of lettuce is in the vegetable drawer of the fridge. Wrap it in paper towels (and wring out the excess moisture) and close it in a plastic bag or airtight container. Leave a bit of room in the container so that the lettuce doesn’t get squished or bruised by other refrigerated items. Alternatively, place the head in a narrow bowl or vase. Both options will allow the lettuce to stay fresh and crisp for a week or more.

The most important thing is to buy lettuce that looks good in the first place. If it’s slimy in spots or seems tired and wilted at the grocery store, don’t buy it. Look for fresher lettuce at the farmers’ market, where it’s often sold by weight instead of in bags or containers.