Poll: Fresh Vegetables--cleaning and storing

[kentgirl]

I just came across this article about fresh vegetables called "Pre-wash saves time and money" http://www.boardwalkmall.com/Menus2Go/articles/ref_prepare_0101.htm

In this article, the author talks about how he washes his fresh vegetables immediately after buying them at the grocery store. I personally don't wash my vegetables until I use them. I do have some waste. Each week, I'll throw out tomatoes or green onions or something that goes bad before I have a chance to use it.

So now I'm wondering how do you all handle your fresh vegetables? Do you rinse them, cut them up, then store them? Or do you wait until you're ready to use them before washing them?

What about storing them? Do you store them in the plastic bags from the grocery store, or do you store them in your own containers. How do you avoid waste?

Thanks. I'm sure I'll pick up some good tips from you all that will help me keep my vegetables fresher longer and avoid waste.

Thanks,

[This message has been edited by kentgirl (edited 03-10-2001).]

[Leonard]

I wash all my fresh veggies when immediately. I purchased these great storage containers from Tupperware. They are called "FridgeSmarts". They come in various sizes to complete a set. They give you a chart tell you how to use the containers for patricular veggies. For instance, some vegetables and fruit need low air circulation. While other need high or none. The containers have vents that open and close depending on the veggie stored in them. I love mine! My produce's life has definitely been extended. I would highly recommend them!

[mlou]

I try to do all my prep work on shopping day just to cut down on meal cooking time but don't always make it. It will make your produce last longer and some things really are best tended to quickly, for example did you know you should cut the greens off radishes right away as the nutrients head straight for the greens as soon as they are picked? I also have the green bags which I buy at the health food store so if I can't clean stuff right away I at least try to put everything in these bags. They are nothing short of miraculous if you ever see them. They are WELL worth the price http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

[valchemist]

Kentgirl,

Thanks for that link. It was interesting to read. Not too long ago there was a post similar to this one. A lot of the people who responded to the post mentioned that they don't wash the veggies until it is time to use them because they spoil faster if you wash them immediately. That is what I have always heard. But the link states the opposite. I guess it depends on the veggie.

Leonard, your post about the fridgesmarts intrigued me so I went on a hunt. They are half price on Tupperware's website until March 25. I wonder if this is a really good deal or not. $24.20 for a set of three - large, medium, and small.

Tupperware's website is just www.tupperware.com (http://www.tupperware.com) and the fridgesmarts are the featured item on the home page.

Valerie

[lanie]

Only because I am literally 'bowled over' right now - I checked the Tupperware Canadian site through your post val - the 3 piece set is going at a very LOW price of $61.49 plus 7% tax - OMG what a difference - I would be better to order from the US even with the dollar exchange - I can't believe the variance! They do look amazing and going to try to order from the US.

Also Mlou - these green bags - what are they made of?

Another - don't the food savers keep things 'forever'? Which would be better - any comments are much welcomed.

Thanks Elaine http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

[This message has been edited by lanie (edited 03-11-2001).]

[karenv]

I always wash my veggies when using. It was the way I was brought up and I don't mind doing it as part of the prep.

There are some staples that I cut and freeze to always have on hand such as:

Chopped garlic
Sliced scallions
Chopped red and white onions
fresh herbs (sage, tarragon, thyme, basil, mint) from my garden
Parsley
Blanched tomatoes

Doing this really saves time!

KarenV

[Ohioan]

Oops, caution, folks! I just checked the Tupperware site, and noticed a footnote to the incredibly low price on the FridgeSmarts: "Offer valid on orders over $40." Just thought I'd alert everyone; you'll have to buy more than the FridgeSmarts to get the $24.20 price on them.

Tsk.
Phoebe

[pammy]

There is an interesting article in Cook's Illustrated this month. It makes recommendations about where in your fridge to store things, and how long. One of the great tips I picked up is to immediately wash your lettuce/salad greens when you get home from the grocery, and store them in your salad spinner. They stay crisp & fresh longer (after a few days, my mesculun would get slimy) and are ready to use, cuts down on salad prep time.

[makedah]

I wash my veggies right before cooking. I store them in these green "Evert-Fresh" bags that one of my grocery stores sells in the produce section. They work really well, regulating air circulation so that veggies last longer. I am very interested in the Tupperware containers (read about them months ago in CL) because I want to stop wasting so much plastic.

[Leonard]

I thought I would let you all know the price I paid. I purchased my "FridgeSmart" containers last year from Tupperware. I got the set of 3, assorted sizes. I paid $38.50. As soon as I come home from the store, everything gets washed and stored in the containers. I couldn't live without them!

[valchemist]

I noticed that too, Phoebe. But on a second reading, I think you still do get the discount since if you bought it at full price you would be paying over $40.

Who knows.

It is certainly confusing and/or misleading.

[valchemist]

I "pretended" to buy the 3-piece set and check out of the tupperware site. Even though initially the set came up as $24, when I enetered the last stage of check out, it said I couldn't hae them for $24 unless I bought $40 worth of products. You were right Phoebe.

[idgy]

I have used Greens Extra Life discs that you put in your vegetable drawer. I do think they have kept our produce fresh longer. I also have an article on Evert-Fresh bags and am going to try them. Anyone else, in addition to makedah, try these bags?
We clean and chop as we need things.

[monica67]

I recently read in a past issue of CL about a reader who chopped their vegetables ahead of time and stored them in the freezer. I loved the idea and started doing it with most vegetables. But some don't seem to fare as well as others. Could anyone say which vegetables can be frozen and for how long? And which vegetables should never be frozen? And what about after the vegetables have defrosted -- can they ever be refrozen (this happened and I got mushy vegetables)?

And related to the suggestion to putting your lettuce in a spinner to extend its life, if I don't have one, will an ordinary tupperware do? Or should it be something that can breath more?

thanks for all the ideas,
monica

[Donna P]

here is a post on freezing vegetables:
http://www.gardenguides.com/TipsandTechniques/freezing.htm