To wash or not to wash: what to do with packaged greens
Salad mixes are very convenient. It would seem that you just need to take the greens out of the package, add your favorite spices, maybe some vegetables, and you have a delicious addition to your lunch or dinner. But is this salad really the best choice? What to look for when buying it? This was reported by SSPDaily.
Is it healthy to eat salad mix?
In winter, our body lacks fresh salads and green vegetables. That's why people often buy salad mixes with spinach, arugula, and other greens that are sold in plastic boxes or packages. They are already washed and therefore ready to eat right away. But there is something you should know about them.
Despite the fact that manufacturers claim that the product has already been washed and can be eaten immediately, it is still worth washing it well again. In a separate study, scientists examined several different salads in sealed packages and found feces of various bacteria inside.
Even if the salads are stored and transported properly, contamination can occur at the initial stage - when the leaves are prepared for packaging.
Although plastic bags are very convenient, they are not environmentally friendly, as they provide salads with a moist and anaerobic environment. And this contributes to the rapid growth of bacteria, especially if the leaves have been cut and started to secrete juice.
How to choose ready-to-eat salads in a package
If you like to buy ready-to-eat salad mixes, there are a few important tips to remember:
- it is better to choose bags rather than plastic boxes because they are less likely to fog up;
- as soon as you get home from the store, open the bag immediately and store the leaves in an open box or package covered with a paper towel;
- the leaves should not be wet, make sure they have a bright color.
If possible, it's still better to opt for fresh salads in season. Buy whole heads of lettuce or cabbage that are sold without plastic packaging. And don't forget to wash the salad immediately before eating it.
