All About Red Leaf Lettuce

Use this lettuce’s vibrant, tender leaves as a base for salads. Pair with ingredients like tomatoes, cucumbers, or avocado, and top with a light vinaigrette or creamy dressing. Or add red leaf lettuce to sandwiches or wraps for a mild crunch and a splash of color.

To keep red leaf lettuce fresh, remove any wilted or damaged outer leaves. Wrap the lettuce loosely in a paper towel to absorb moisture, and store it in a perforated plastic bag or a reusable produce container. Place it in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for about 5-7 days. For best results, wash and dry it just before use.

Freezing red leaf lettuce isn’t recommended — the process changes its texture, making it too soft and wilted for salads or sandwiches. However, if you have extra lettuce you can’t use, you can freeze it for later use in cooked dishes like soups or stews. To freeze, blanch the leaves in boiling water for about 30 seconds, cool them quickly in ice water, and pat them dry before storing them in an airtight freezer bag. Use frozen lettuce within 6-8 months for best results.

Red leaf lettuce is a cool-weather crop that grows best in well-drained soil with plenty of sunlight. It’s cultivated in many regions around the world, including North America, Europe, and Asia. Thanks to its adaptability, it can thrive in most home gardens with little issues.