By: David H.
Submitted: 2009-10-12 04:14:01 | Word Count: 523
Keeping salad fresh is essential in maintaining its nutritional value. There are things you need to consider doing to keep salads fresh.
There are things to consider in keeping your salad mixture fresh. This also goes for the fruits and vegetables you put in your salad. Keeping it fresh is essential, especially if it will not be consumed immediately.
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To keep salads fresh, you can put a long strip of good paper towel and lay all your fresh salad recipes on top. This helps by soaking up all the so called “interstitial” moisture. Once you have gathered all that you need, place these inside a gallon zip bag. These bags make the salad mixture respire within the so called normal rate.
When buying commercial salad, check for the expiry date. Although the salad mixture still looks fresh, you’ll never know if bacteria are already starting to accumulate. Salads bought in bags do not really last long. After processing, it usually lasts 14 up to 17 days only.
You can store salads using glass jars. Tupperware products are best containers to keep these salads fresh. Alternatively, you can also use any air tight and spill proof containers. Others buy the Reynolds Handi Vac. It vacuum seals food to maintain freshness.
If you need to keep your salad fresh prior to serving, pour in some salad dressing at the bottom of the bowl. Then, place utensils crisscross on top of the bowl’s bottom. After this, place a few large leaves of lettuce on top. Then, you can add the prepared greens as well as the other ingredients. This process actually separates the greens from the salad dressing. Greens easily wilt when poured with dressing already.
There are also ways to keep apples and vegetables fresh. Apples can be stored in a cool and dry place for a few weeks. Wrap them individually with newspaper before storing. If you place them inside the fridge uncovered, it can only last for a month or so. However, once an apple has exceeded it shelf life, you can still use it for stew or baking.
Bananas are just usually stored at room temperature. However, for a longer shelf life, you can place this inside the fridge. Although the skin becomes dark, this fruit itself is still okay inside.
Bananas are best when frozen. You can peel the bananas and place inside air tight plastic wraps.
Berries can be stored inside the fridge. Place them in zip locks before putting inside the fridge because they easily smell.
Freezing berries is best when it is unwashed. You can separate them on top of a cookie sheet uncovered and unwashed. Then, you can place them inside the freezer for 30 minutes to an hour, depending on its size. After this, place them inside freezer containers or bags before freezing.
Never thaw the berries. They are best washed when frozen and used immediately.
Corn, especially the ones on the cob should never be “shucked” long before you will use it. You can store these inside zip locks. You can also wet its shucks to extend shelf life. It also prevents corn from drying up.
