How to Tell If Lettuce Is Bad
Quick answer
Bad lettuce is slimy, wet, and dark at the edges or core, with a sour smell. A little browning on the cut stem or a bit of limpness isn’t a safety problem, but slimy leaves mean toss.
Signs Lettuce has gone bad
- Slimy, slick leaves. A slippery film on the leaves means bacteria are breaking them down. Discard the whole head or bag if it’s widespread.
- Dark, wet, translucent patches. Leaves that look wet, brown, or see-through in spots are rotting. Remove them, and if more than the outer leaves are affected, toss it.
- Sour or rotten smell. Lettuce should smell clean and grassy. A sour or sulfur-like odor means it has turned.
- Pink or rusty brown core. A little pinkish browning on the stem is natural oxidation, but a mushy, dark, smelly core means decay is rising through the head.
- Mold or fuzzy growth. Gray or white fuzz, usually near the base or between leaves, means mold. Throw it out.
- Pooled liquid in a bagged mix. Water in the bottom of a bag with limp, dark, or slimy leaves means the mix is spoiled. Throw out the whole bag.
Looks weird, but it's fine
- Brown edges on the outer leaves. Dry browning at the tips is just aging. Trim it off, and eat the clean leaves.
- Wilted, limp leaves. Wilting means water loss, not spoilage. Soak leaves in ice water for 10–15 minutes to crisp them back up.
- Pinkish tint on the cut stem. Cut lettuce can turn pink or brown from oxidation. Trim the end and use the rest if the leaves are clean.
How long does Lettuce last?
| Where | How long | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Fridge | 7–10 days | whole head, in the crisper |
| Fridge | 3–5 days | pre-cut or torn; bagged mix by date |
| Freezer | Not recommended | turns limp when thawed |
How to store it
- Wrap the whole head loosely in a paper towel and keep it in a bag or container in the crisper drawer.
- Wash only what you plan to eat, and dry it thoroughly, since excess moisture speeds rot.
- Put a dry paper towel in bagged greens and swap it out when it gets damp.
Use it up before it turns
Frequently asked questions
Can you eat lettuce with brown edges?
Yes, if the rest of the leaf is crisp and doesn’t smell off. Trim away the brown bits. If the browning comes with slime, throw it out.
Is slimy lettuce safe to eat?
No. Slime means bacteria are growing. Discard the lettuce rather than rinsing it.
How can I tell if bagged salad is bad?
Check for liquid in the bag, slimy or dark leaves, and a sour smell. If you see any of those, discard the bag, even if the date hasn’t passed.
More food freshness guides
General guidance based on USDA FoodKeeper. Storage times are estimates and conditions vary. When in doubt, throw it out.