Pro tip: stop buying those giant bags of salad greens unless you eat them in 3 days

I lost $12 on a bag of mixed greens last week that turned to slime before I even opened it half way. I kept thinking I'd get to it, but life got busy and it sat in the crisper for 5 days. The expiration date said it was fine but the bag was puffed up and the leaves were brown when I finally peeked in. I learned that these bags last maybe 2 days after you open them, not a full week like I hoped. Now I just buy a head of romaine instead, because it lasts over a week and costs $2. Anyone else fall for the convenience trap and lose money on pre-washed greens?

2 comments

2 Comments

emmajackson3d ago

Did you open it before the expiration date caught up with you, or was it sealed tight the whole time? I've fallen for the same trap more times than I care to admit, honestly feels like they vacuum seal those bags with mold spores sometimes. Romaine is definitely the smarter move for the price and staying power, even if you have to wash it yourself.

rivera.holly19h agoMost Upvoted

Actually emmajackson, that whole "vacuum sealed with mold spores" thing is kind of accurate but not really how it works. The bags are flushed with gas to keep oxygen out, which slows mold growth, but if the bag gets punctured or the seal fails, the oxygen gets in and mold shows up fast. I've had unopened bags of spring mix go bad two days before the date, and other times they lasted a week past it, depends on how the store handled them. At least with romaine you can see the damage before you buy it, even if you do have to wash each leaf individually.