How to keep bagged lettuce etc. fresh?

mjg · 15-08-2009, 22:56

Now and then I buy a bag or bowl of mixed leaves but as I live alone I would never eat them all in one evening and they tend to be a little wilted and smell a little off the next day.

Should I get rid of the bag to store them and if so, should they be in an airtight container? (I just need them to be fresh enough to enjoy on the second evening)

Thanks

Riordan123 · 15-08-2009, 22:59

Do you store them in the fridge?

olaola · 17-08-2009, 09:12

A friend of mine swears by putting them into a brown paper bag. Never tried it though. But I'd say - whatever you do, make sure they're not too cold.

mjg · 17-08-2009, 09:40

@Riordan, I usually just fliing the half-bag back into the fridge alright but suspect that the moisture in the leaves makes them sweat in the plastic.

@ Olaola, I'll try the brown bag, thanks. Maybe I should leave them out of the fridge then?

**Mellor** · 18-08-2009, 03:06

Use a resealable container.
This applies to meat, cheese pretty much everything that you buy in a packet that goes in the fridge.

chilly · 18-08-2009, 11:36

Hve you tried JML keep fresh bags(http://www.jmldirect.com/currency/EU...gs-PK6776)?You get them in Dunnes and other shops.They're €5.99 for 15 and the bags are reusable. They have a coating on the inside that retards the natural aging process of fruit and vegetables. It says on the pack that the coating is natural and made from a clay derivitative. I haven't tried them with bagged lettuce but the definitely keep a head of lettuce that's been cut in half fresh for a few days longer than usual.

It's nearly impossible to keep cut lettuce as fresh as you'd get it out of the bags you buy cut washed salad in.Usually those bags are pumped up with Carbon Dioxide. The lack of a normal oxygen filled atmosphere in them prevents the natural deterioration of cut vegetables.Even though it's less convenient you are better off with a full head of lettuce.Otherwise you're better off making sure you eat the whole lot once you open the bag.Also pre washed salads are linked to an Ecoli and lysteria risk so eatting them as early as possible is probably best.

Carawaystick · 23-08-2009, 20:56

Quote:

Originally Posted by chilly

Also pre washed salads are linked to an Ecoli and lysteria risk so eatting them as early as possible is probably best.

Have you a source for this scare mongering?

CombatCow · 24-08-2009, 18:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by mjg

@Riordan, I usually just fliing the half-bag back into the fridge alright but suspect that the moisture in the leaves makes them sweat in the plastic.

@ Olaola, I'll try the brown bag, thanks. Maybe I should leave them out of the fridge then?

Put them in a ziplock bag with a sheet or two of kitchen paper to soak up the excess moisture.

CC

Flamed Diving · 27-08-2009, 11:36

I buy iceberg lettuce cause it tends to last a bit longer. Even when it starts to wilt, it does so from the outside-in, so you can just peel the leaves off and use the still-fresh inner leaves.

15-08-2009, 22:56	#1
mjg Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Behind you.. Posts: 97 Adverts \| Friends	How to keep bagged lettuce etc. fresh? Now and then I buy a bag or bowl of mixed leaves but as I live alone I would never eat them all in one evening and they tend to be a little wilted and smell a little off the next day. Should I get rid of the bag to store them and if so, should they be in an airtight container? (I just need them to be fresh enough to enjoy on the second evening) Thanks

15-08-2009, 22:59	#2
Riordan123 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Limerick Posts: 99 Adverts \| Friends	Do you store them in the fridge? __________________ >>Riordan123<<

18-08-2009, 03:06	#5
Mellor Moderator Join Date: May 2006 Location: Bondi... Posts: 10,013 Adverts \| Friends Mod: Construction & Planning	Use a resealable container. This applies to meat, cheese pretty much everything that you buy in a packet that goes in the fridge. __________________ Moneybookers is >>>>>> Neteller, Fact

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17-08-2009, 09:12	#3
olaola Registered User Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Dublin 8 Posts: 2,167 Adverts \| Friends	A friend of mine swears by putting them into a brown paper bag. Never tried it though. But I'd say - whatever you do, make sure they're not too cold.

17-08-2009, 09:40	#4
mjg Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Behind you.. Posts: 97 Adverts \| Friends	@Riordan, I usually just fliing the half-bag back into the fridge alright but suspect that the moisture in the leaves makes them sweat in the plastic. @ Olaola, I'll try the brown bag, thanks. Maybe I should leave them out of the fridge then?

18-08-2009, 11:36	#6
chilly Registered User Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 1,218 Adverts \| Friends	Hve you tried JML keep fresh bags(http://www.jmldirect.com/currency/EU...gs-PK6776)?You get them in Dunnes and other shops.They're €5.99 for 15 and the bags are reusable. They have a coating on the inside that retards the natural aging process of fruit and vegetables. It says on the pack that the coating is natural and made from a clay derivitative. I haven't tried them with bagged lettuce but the definitely keep a head of lettuce that's been cut in half fresh for a few days longer than usual. It's nearly impossible to keep cut lettuce as fresh as you'd get it out of the bags you buy cut washed salad in.Usually those bags are pumped up with Carbon Dioxide. The lack of a normal oxygen filled atmosphere in them prevents the natural deterioration of cut vegetables.Even though it's less convenient you are better off with a full head of lettuce.Otherwise you're better off making sure you eat the whole lot once you open the bag.Also pre washed salads are linked to an Ecoli and lysteria risk so eatting them as early as possible is probably best.

27-08-2009, 11:36	#9
Flamed Diving Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Location: Here and there Posts: 4,972 Adverts \| Friends	I buy iceberg lettuce cause it tends to last a bit longer. Even when it starts to wilt, it does so from the outside-in, so you can just peel the leaves off and use the still-fresh inner leaves.