Pre-packaged greens are a grocery list staple for a reason. They can be used in a variety of dishes, and make eating healthy so much easier. Which is precisely why, many of us instinctively reach for a bag or two during each week’s grocery store stock-up session.

But a few days later, those once fresh and perky greens start to look and smell like a slimy, decomposing mess. Bagged lettuce and salad leaves, are notorious for slipping into a slimy, half-rotted state before you’re able to use even half the bag, and considering the fact that it is not exactly cheap, can be quite heartbreaking.

The good news is that you don’t have to keep tossing those tattered leaves. These storage tips will help you keep your bagged salad fresh longer:

The Paper Towel Trick

The moment I get back home, I pop open that bag or box of greens, take a fresh sheet or two of paper towel and slide it into the bag of greens, and seal with my Ikea clip.

The paper towel absorbs the moisture that causes the leaves to rot. This simple trick help the greens stay fresh, giving you more time to use up the bag. Just remember to replace the towel every day for best results.

Store The Lettuce In Another Container

The plastic bag that houses most salad greens offers little protection from the rest of the produce in your fridge, so to protect them from getting further bruised and soggy, transfer it into an airtight plastic storage container.

Just be sure to layer the bottom of the container with paper towel so it can absorb the moisture, and top with another paper towel before storing in the crisper drawer. Don’t pack the leaves too tightly, or they won’t have breathing room, and this too can invite rapid rot.

Look For Salad greens That Come In A Clamshell Container

Salad greens have a long journey from field to table, and the bagged versions do not protect the delicate leaves from damage from transportation. Clamshells, on the other hand are sturdy, and can take the impact of a long transport and leave your leaves in better shape. These protective plastic containers are also recyclable and can be used to store other greens you buy later.

Choose Hardier Greens

Most lettuces varieties tend to wilt quickly, but hardier greens like arugula, watercress, baby spinach, and baby kale tend to stay fresh longer. They’re also versatile, and can be used from everything from a salad to a stir-fry, and give you more bang for your buck.

We hope these tips were helpful. Happy healthy eating!

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