Lettuce, like other high-moisture foods, can be a challenge to preserve. But with ever-rising food prices, it seems unwise to allow anything edible to go to waste. Freezing lettuce leaves is one option for preserving them for up to six months, although the leaves will be much softer when they're defrosted than when they were fresh. Once thawed, some of the best uses for frozen lettuce leaves include soups, stews and casseroles.

Separate the leaves of lettuce from the head. Discard the tough stalk.

Wash the leaves in cool water and dry them thoroughly. Any moisture left on the leaves will degrade the texture of the lettuce significantly, possibly destroying them. Although not necessary, using a salad spinner will help remove water from the leaves.

Place the leaves in plastic freezer storage bags, making sure to squeeze out excess air, and seal the bags tightly. Do not overfill the bags. Write the name of the lettuce and the date on the bag with a permanent marker.

Lay the bags of lettuce leaves flat on the bottom of the freezer, or on top of other flat items. Don't put heavy items on top of the bags of lettuce, and do not fold or bunch up the bags. Use the frozen lettuce leaves within six months.