Bagged Salads

[Kelly]

I was just reading the posts about cleaning veges and wanted to post this question.

A while back, someone warned me about buying the bagged salads and precut veges (namely baby carrots) because they are treated with some sort of chemical to make them last longer. Does anyone know anything about what the manufactures use on the bagged salads? I know that I taste a very strange taste and smell an odd odor on them. The bags are such a time saver, but I for one cannot stomach the taste and smell.

[Deanna]

I too have always noticed that awful smell and do not use the bagged salad mixes for that reason.

I buy a head of lettuce, some romaine or other leaf lettuce, tear it up and put it in a tupperware bowl to be "dished out and dressed up" as I need it.

[laden]

I love the convenience of the bagged salads, but hate that weird smell. I also find after I open the bag the salad doesn't stay fresh even the next night.

I usually wash a head of either leaf or romaine lettuce (and add radicchio) in the salad spinner and keep it in tupperware It keeps very fresh for 5-6 days. And no smell....

That way I can add tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, etc.

[CHRIST1NE]

Like you all, I do not buy bagged salads. Convenient yes, freash for any length of time no. Actually I am having troubles with all of my fresh fruits and vegetables. I'm trying to make a point to "strive for 5" and only want to grocery shop 1x per week. My husband says "just go to the store very couple of days and buy what you need" but who wants to do that? Have any of you ever tried Tupperwares "FridgeSmart" containers? They are a little pricey, but worth it if it really works. It has little vents that you open/close based on the contents. It even has a little chart so you know which vents to open/close.

[Kelly]

Christine - I have 2 of the Tupperware fridge snart containers. I bought the small one and the longer one. I don't think they keep veges any fresher than my less expensive Rubbermaid containers. The vents don't seem to make a bit of difference.

I buy hardy veges like carrots and celery in large quantities - about a week's worth at a time. I cut them up over the weekend and store them in the fridge throughout the week. Things like Cucumbers, peppers, and squash don't seem to keep as well though.

My recommendation is to buy some of the larger Rubbermaid containers (when they are on sale of course :-) ) and save your money on the pricy Tupperware ones.

[shoyski]

Okay,I'm feeling kinda like a doofus. I use the bagged salads every week, but mostly the plain spinach, and have never noticed the weird smell.

What kind of brand names have you guys tried? The spinach I use is Popeye spinach.

[Deanna]

shoyski: I use the Popeye spinach also. I have not noticed the weeerd smell in the spinach bag, and I'm wondering if it's because the spinach leaves aren't CUT. Maybe the weeerd gas is added to the lettuce mixes to prevent the browning and deterioration from being cut?

Who knows...

[kentgirl]

I agree with shoyski. I always use the bagged lettuce and never notice a smell. I like the convenience too much to give it up, but if they truly do "put something on them to make them last longer", then maybe I better rethink my position.

I LOVE Tupperware FridgeSmart containers. I've never tried Rubbermaid, but the Tupperware containers really work. They really do keep food fresher and longer.


[This message has been edited by kentgirl (edited 07-19-2000).]

[CHRIST1NE]

Kelly & Kentgirl, thanks for your replies. Maybe I'll buy one Rubbermaid container and one of the cheaper FridgeSmart containers and run my own experiment. I'll let you know how it turns out http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

[This message has been edited by CHRIST1NE (edited 07-19-2000).]

[CHRIST1NE]

oops, hit the wrong button. *sorry*

[This message has been edited by CHRIST1NE (edited 07-19-2000).]

[KimKelly]

I use only an organic bagged baby spinach. This seems to have no smell ... I have noticed the funny smell with some of the lettuce ones too though. Do any of you who use the bagged "stuff" wash it? I always have. I'm not certain if I have too. I guess you can never wash too much...

Kim

[Ohioan]

I occasionally used bagged salads -- usually when I want a mix of greens but don't want to buy three or four heads. (Okay, so I didn't have to make an excuse, did I? http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/wink.gif) The first thing I do is check the "sell by" date before I buy; those dates are really serious. I also check through the plastic carefully to make sure none of the leaves are spotted or limp. (This is probably elementary, but I'm trying to recreate my success step by step.) Then, after I use what I need, I take the rest out of the original bag and put it into a plain plastic bag (not a self-closing one) with a paper towel inside, gently press out any air, and fold over the top of the bag before putting it back in the refrigerator.

The only times I've ever noticed a weird smell have been when I've left the salad in the original bag after opening it, or when I've bought some salad too close to the "sell by" date. I've also noticed a difference in the brands. I've never been entirely satisfied with the Dole salads -- not that they have a weird taste, but that they seem to have no taste at all!

[Shelly]

I do buy the bagged salads sometimes, especially the spring mix, because I can't find it in bulk around here. I have noticed the smell, and I can't stand it either. However, the convenience factor is a big one. I ALWAYS wash produce - you never know who touched it when it was being bagged! I have a Tupperware Fridgesmart container, and I've only used it for strawberries so far. Seems to work. I have also tried what others suggested in previous posts - putting my lettuce in a ziploc bag with a paper towel. That seems to help too. Grace mentioned "green bags" in the convenience items post. They sound like they are worth a try. I read about a product in Prevention mag. not too long ago that works the same way. You put it in your fruit/veggie drawers in the fridge and it absorbs the ethylene gas, which is what makes produce go bad. The Prevention staff tested it themselves, and rated it very highly. Now if only I could remember the NAME!!! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/frown.gif I do know I've never seen it in stores. If I come across it, I will post the info.
As for baby carrots, I buy those all the time, and I have never noticed an odor.

[This message has been edited by Shelly (edited 07-20-2000).]

[lorilei]

I buy the Popeye spinach -- which (as consensus has indicated) does not seem to harbor a weird smell.

The only other bagged product I purchase is an organic mescaline mix, which is wonderful and keeps very well wrapped in paper and refrigerated. Since it's organic, I would definitely be skeptical if it smelled like anything chemical -- and I have to say I haven't noticed anything strange.

As Ohioan mentioned, however, I'm very anal about checking dates on those bags. Especially when lettuce is "on sale". To me, "on sale" can sometimes mean "about to go bad". http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif