You buy a bag of fresh, crisp salad mix from the grocery store, but just a day or two later, you open it to find a slimy, wilted mess. It is a frustrating and wasteful experience that seems to be happening more and more often. While it might feel like the quality of all produce is declining, there are several specific, scientific reasons why bagged salads in particular seem to have a much shorter shelf life than they used to. These reasons have to do with the type of greens we now prefer and the technology used to package them.
The Switch to More Delicate Greens
In the past, the most common bagged salad was a simple, sturdy iceberg lettuce mix. Today, consumer tastes have shifted toward more delicate and flavorful greens. Mixes that contain baby spinach, arugula, and other “spring greens” are now much more popular. However, the leaves of these plants are much thinner and more fragile. They are more susceptible to bruising during the packaging process, which causes them to wilt and decay much faster.
Issues with “Modified Atmosphere Packaging”
Most bagged salads are sealed in a “modified atmosphere package.” This means the company has pumped a special mix of gases, usually high in nitrogen and low in oxygen, into the bag. This is designed to slow down the natural respiration and decay of the greens. However, if the seal on the bag is not perfect or if the gas mixture is not correct, the system will fail. This can cause the greens to wilt and spoil very quickly.
Breaks in the “Cold Chain”
Bagged salads must be kept in a constant, unbroken “cold chain” from the processing plant to your refrigerator. Any break in this chain, where the salad is allowed to warm up, can dramatically accelerate the wilting process. This can happen if a delivery truck’s refrigeration unit is not working properly, if the salad sits on a warm loading dock, or even during your own car ride home from the store.
Increased Moisture Content from Washing
The “triple-washed” label on a bag of salad is a major convenience, but it can also be a problem. The industrial washing process introduces a lot of moisture into the bag. If the greens are not dried perfectly before packaging, this excess moisture can create an ideal environment for bacterial growth and slime. This is a leading cause of a salad mix turning into a slimy mess.
How to Make Your Salad Last Longer
While you cannot control how a salad is processed, you can take steps to extend its life once you get it home. The best method is to place a clean, dry paper towel inside the salad bag or container. The paper towel will absorb the excess moisture that causes the leaves to wilt and decay. This simple trick can often add two or three extra days of freshness to your bagged salad.
Do you find that bagged salads go bad faster than they used to? What are your best tips for keeping them fresh? Share your advice in the comments!
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The post Why Do Bagged Salads Wilt So Quickly Now? appeared first on Grocery Coupon Guide.
