Also for those who are getting air in the bag a few things; A cheap thin bag (like from the Dollar Store) will be much less efficient because they are susceptible to tiny tears. A higher quality name brand bag is best. Also make sure to suck ALL of the air out of the bag so that it looks like it's cryovaced. Do this every time that you put the lettuce back into the fridge and it will most definitely work. I've been doing this at home for years and it has never failed. I hope this helps :)
Yeah, well, our kids and their kids are going to look "cryovaced" by the time we stop using this thick plastic "for years". Do yo wash your plastic straws each time or just toss them?
Shoulda said in my previous comment. I cut the lettuce into proportions for serving. Did the bag seal trick. Last bag was 6 weeks old and a few ends of the leaf were just starting to wilt. This worked so well, I bought a hand held vacuum sealer gor under $ 20.00 and always seal this way. Seal cheese too cause I live alone and was constantly throwing cheese away after buying shredded cheese for tacos. Too much in the bag and much too expensive to throwaway!!
You can also wrap the cheese in a plastic wrap, like Saran wrap. Pull it tight around the cheese so no air gets in. Each time you use the cheese, re-wrap it the same way. Use a new piece of wrap if necessary. I used to work in a cheese shop, we bought cheese by the wheel and that's what we did to keep it fresh.
Since changing to a plant based diet a few years ago, lettuce never lasted long enough in our house to go bad, but with the pandemic looming over us, I try to only go to the store every 2-3 weeks, so this video is a lifesaver.
Zenovia Harris. Hi Zenovia. If you have really spent years trying to figure this out, then you really need to get out more 😂 Of course you should wait for lockdown to finish first
Zenovia Harris.Well you now seem to have 75 people agreeing with you Zenovia. I am sure you didn't take my comment too much to heart. Stay safe & healthy during these worrying times 😀👍
Yes, it works. Another trick is after you rinse any greens, shake well and then I wrap it in paper towels or a clean dishcloth and then slide it into a plastic grocery bag and tie loosely. Amazing. Mushrooms, I always buy whole unsliced. Bring home, tip onto a large dish cloth and wrap before sliding in a bag or large container with a lid. Towels, cloths or paper wicks away moisture and they stay beautifully.
Thanks for the handy tip I’ll have to give it a try. I extend my lettuce by washing, parring off excess water rolling lettuce up dry paper towels and putting the in a gallon ziplock. I like your idea better. Oh and when I was my vegetable that I don’t personally grow, I add vinegar to the water and let them sit in the solution for a bit to kill off molds or bacteria’s.
SUMMARY (of video & Dan's comments below): 1. break DON’T cut leaves away from stem. Note: longer shelf life when torn from stem rather than cut. If cut, will last up to a week (rather than 3). This is b/c once the leaves are cut they are no longer "living" and will break down faster. 2. clean (if wet, then dry completely) Options: - drain in a colander then pat with paper towel - lay out on paper towels for about an hour 3. put in ziplock bag (thicker, higher quality is better. Recommend: “gauge bag”) 4. seal almost to the edge then insert straw in the end and suck out all the air (so that it looks like it's cryovaced). Can also use lips if no straw. Or try hand held vacuum sealer (under $20). Note: The whole idea is to keep oxygen out of the gas so lettuce won’t break down. 5. put in refrigerator 6. repeat every time you use some of it (rinse & reuse the same thick plastic bag over and over and over. Same with the plastic straw).
When you wash the lettuce and any produce, soak it in water, for 10 mins., with a tablespoon of vinegar to kill latent bacteria and remove pesticides and fertilizer residue.
my grandmother taught me this back in high school she always said sealed it up good and use an straw to suck the air out. it will last longer. and still today I use it on everything I freeze
Yes, this works with any greens as well as celery. No salad spinner needed, just make sure after you wash the greens that they drain enough in colander. This works perfect for whole leaves that have not been cut up. Once the leaves are cut they are no longer "living" and will break down faster, although you will get some longevity using this method, but for maximum longevity keep them whole until you are ready to use them. I hope this helps. - Dan
Stephen Andrews - I live in Zambia, Africa - 1/3 of our population are HIV + not to mention TB and Malaria...we are expecting thousands of people to die in the next 3 months. We are getting ready to completely self - isolate for atleast 120 days - not leave our home at all....finding ways to store fresh veggies and fruit has been a challenge -.and being able to eat fresh lettuce is going to be a huge treat and boost.
@Stephen Andrews - I'm happy for you that you can simply buy a head of lettuce and throw 3/4 of it out. Good luck with that. We don't spend our time "worrying" about our lettuce but we do enjoy prolonging the useful shelf life of it. This way we can enjoy delicious salads without running back and forth to the store all the time. Contrary to popular thinking,, there are many of us who eat healthy, save our money where we can, and live happy God-fearing lives. Shocking, right?
S R. No matter where anybody lives, I am absolutely amazed that any person or family can make a lettuce last for 3 weeks. Surely someone would eat it before then?. In our house I doubt if it even lasts 3 days
Steve McCormick. Hi steve I don't remember saying at any point that any lettuce gets thrown away!!! I guess like most houses they actually get eaten & usually in just a few days. As for running back & forth to the shops "ALL THE TIME". Well I hardly think going shopping at some stage in less than 3 weeks, can hardly be classed as "ALL THE TIME". Long may you continue to Enjoy your lettuce. Hope you stay safe & healthy during these troubling times 😀👍
It works. I squeeze the bag when it's full and then seal the last 1/2 inch before air can get back in. It will last quite a while. Now make bananas last Dan
Does this work for pre-washed salad? It goes super fast. I put mine in a plastic box specifically made for keeping a head of lettuce fresh but it didn’t seem to work for prepackaged salad. It was mushy in a day or two. I’m single so I buy two small bags but I can’t finish it quickly enough. Thanks.
Pre-washed/packaged salads whether organic or conventional are packaged in bags with special technology that allows the product to breathe. Thousands of micro-holes allows the gases produced by the product out and air to come in. With this technology your packaged salads should last a good week in your refrigerator. If you are buying baby mixed greens, such as spring mix, baby romaine or any of the baby mixes the leaves are very tender and bruise easily, when this happens they break down quickly. The other factor may be time out of refrigeration. Once that package is removed from the store's refrigerated shelves and placed in your cart the "cold chain" is broken. The amount of time it takes to continue shopping and the trip home before it gets into the refrigerator could very well be the problem. If it's longer than 45 minutes then your salad will have very minimal life. I have never been a fan of packaged salads, I just can't wrap my head around eating greens that are rinsed with bleach even if it is a mild amount. My suggestion is to buy full heads of whatever variety organic lettuce that you enjoy and cut it up yourself, it takes very little time and you won't keep losing product and money. I hope this helps you MyQueenFreddyMercury! If you have any more questions feel free to email me at danthefreshproduceman@gmail.com
A STRAW..!!!?? A STAW..!!!?? .. OMG.. I'M SO TRIGGERED RIGHT NOW...!!! OMG .. A PLASTIC BAG..!!!?? A PLASTIC BAG!!!??.. I NEED A PAPER BAG, I'M HYPERVENTILATING.. SAFE SPACE..!! SAFE SPACE..!!
@@invent5540 Yes I use to own a deli you are probably right! I now own a cleaning company and I am amazed at how many people defrost meat on the counter when they are at work. I always make a mental note well I will never eat dinner over here. Lol
DO NOT do this at your restaurant, deli or any other food service establishment! This is just one of many methods and is meant for private home use only.
Oh my gosh...9 years latter.....thks so much for the advice, from all the comments I know it works Dan. question: will this work for parsley, cilantro and celery??? Can you mention all the uses you’ve given this method? Thks. again.
Thank you for watching Monica, yes, it will work for all leaf items, of course, some leaf items are more delicate than others and the length of time will vary, but yes it does work for them.
I find that not washing it(wash as needed)& storing it in a glass tight fitted jar preserves longer life of lettuce,it discovered that for myself!!!! IT WORKS!!!!
Yes, they are Stephen, and in 2012 when this video was made they were not. There are many alternatives to plastic straws out there now that are biodegradable and compostable.
hey Dan I love your content, I just found you out today, and I love your enthusiasm for lettuce and vegetable products, and I made a video using my favourite Dan voice clips from this video, it's really bad but I will be watching more of your content, thank you for your continued years of wisdom.
no need to wrap them in paper towel? i stumbled upon your video coz i recently started doing low carb / low calorie so i wanted to know best ways to preserve my greens. i will give this a try.
No need gor a paper towel if you let the lettuce/greens thoroughly air dry. However it will absorb excess moisture, so it's whatever you're most comfortable with. Best wishes on Keto success!
In an effort to eliminate as much plastic from my home and from the landfills/ocean, I decided to use glass containers to store my veggies, including lettuce. I just started, so don't know how long they will last, and actually, we'll use it within a week, so I may never know about lettuce, but I don't always use the kale, spinach, cucumbers, or tomatoes within a week. Do you, Dan, or anyone else, have thoughts on using glass containers with "airtight" lids for storing these veggies, and/or fruits?
Hi Lelo, Two things: 1 86 the straw and just use your lips directly onto the small opening of the bag. This will get more air out. Suck it out until the lettuce looks and I emphasize looks like it is getting crushed then seal the bag really fast. It should hold. 2. try a higher quality ziplock. It works best with thicker plastic. Thanks for tuning in! Dan
Hey Guys and Gals....when using plastic zip bags, I only use the Freezer type and most times it's the Zip Lock Brand, they're stronger, I also wash and reuse them as long as no raw meat has been stored in them. When they're no longer good, I'll rinse, let them dry , then recycle them with the plastic bags I take back to the stores for recycling. When I refrigerated or freeze anything , most times I'll use the Square Rubbermaid Take Along Containers, the ones with the red lids, they seem to have a better seal, the square shape doesn't waste space and they're easier when stacking. I'm so excited to try that idea about lettuce, WOW!!!! That sure will be Great, going to let my family know too. Everyone Stay Safe, Stay Well and GOD BLESS !!
My aunt used to wrap it in newspaper ans put it into a cool cellar and it kept fresh. All without plastic. And come on, it's a tiny lettuce not 100 tons of potatoes. Who need 3 weeks to eat that
Good question Arizona Elevators, I would imagine it is a digital recording on a timer, but I will ask my friend who is the produce director for a large supermarket chain and get back to you on that. I do know that the misting systems that were installed back in the 1980s would just start spraying without notice and customers were getting wet. In a store that I worked at back then, a lady complained because she just came from the hairdresser and it messed up her hairdo as she was picking out some carrots. The warning audio came into play as a result of many similar incidents.
This works for heartier lettuce, but iceberg is different. I prep my lettuce, but also add and change out plain white paper towels to absorb any excess moisture, and poke air holes in the bags
Language Learning Lover 🙌 OH-KAY! and considering i have more time on my hands now - i’ll save a few coins & chop it up myself vs. grabbing pre-made in the bag.
Your point is well-taken Julie, keep in mind that this video was shot seven years ago before we were made aware of the negative impact of plastic straws on the environment. Having a set of metal straws on-hand is recommended.
Hey Dan, Awesome video & channel. You've got a GREAT voice! If you ever want another revenue stream, I voice and produce commercial spots. Let me know huh? ;)
Well, grocery shopping was a major ordeal here in Los Angeles at the height of the COVID panic. Nobody here would have tried to shop every 3 days. Hell, once a week was too often. So of course we tried to buy enough for a couple weeks if we could. Even without COVID, I try to stock up to some extent, so it's always good to know how to extend the life of the produce I buy so I'm not running to the store twice a week. LOL🙄
Thanks !!!!!! FINALLY !!!!!!!!!!! , PLAIN AND SIMPLE IN 2 MINUTES OR LESS. NOW MY FIRST GARDEN LETTUCE CAN BE SAVED !!! LOVE YOU DAN 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍🙌🍻😇👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
Nice. Maybe you can tell me how to keep lettuce freshly picked fresh .I know the farms spray something on them . by the next day at market I just want to trash my lettuce. Thanks Angie with Mauki Sun Farm STL
After you pick your lettuce place it in a jar or depending on how much you've harvested in a tub of water with the cut or root side in the water. Think of it like cut flowers in a vase, the cut side absorbs the water because the plant is still alive. Lettuce or any greens work the same way. Place that in the refrigerator and it should last longer. Let me know how it turns out for you: danthefreshproduceman@gmail.com
We have a 1 eyed guinea pig, and he eats a LOT of lettuce, but he's also a picky little SOB. If the lettuce isn't fresh, he won't touch it. We spend a small fortune on lettuce (leaf, romaine, butter, hydroponic), so I was looking for a way to avoid the supermarket, just for the guinea pig, three or four times a week. I have to say that the best way I've found so far is a modification of this: I do everything he suggests, except I store the lettuce in a tall square plastic container, with one bamboo (or paper) towel each at the top and bottom of the container, and the lettuce, spun dry, between them. I don't keep it a long time; I just have to keep it SUPER fresh, and this works. I can't verify for how long, or if it'll work with spring mix (which I've found notoriously short-lived), but FWIW, it does keep lettuce leaves PERFECTLY FRESH for at least 4 days.
ok i skimmed thru it but I see nothing that would make me change my mind..... ty anyway...If im gonna eat healthy , I mix it up and no dressing, avacado is my dressing....
also could you settle a debate for me? ....my dad wants to eat Spinach that is soggy wet at tips even though bag was just opened...sell by date Sept 13, 2016....I stated it was starting to rot and insisted throwing it out..so two fold question is who's correct and Why is it rotting in bag that was purchased two days ago? Appreciate your input...
Recordgrooves Fill your sink with lukewarm water. Lukewarm, not hot, not cold, lukewarm. Butt the lettuce and place them in the sink with the cut butt ends fully submerged in the water. Leave them for 20-30 min then place in the walk in for a few hours. Obviously this is prepping ahead of time while existing product is still on the stand. The key is keeping the cut stem in in the water, it'll crisp up nicely that way. Let me know how it works out for you, this is how I've been doing it for years. Dan
I WILL try this! I know I've composted more lettuce than I've ever eaten. Thank you!
FANTASTIC ...DAN!!!
Hahaha me too.
Haha...same here! I love this hack!
OMG. I tried this and my lettuce was good 6 weeks later!!
lmfao :P >.>
Did you need to COMPLETELY DRY THE LETTUCE BEFORE SEALING THE BAG??
yes it really works. I've kept lettuce up to a month. hallelujah! It has srsly changed my life. well, my food life ;)
Omg 6 weeks??? So this means you had 2 leave every day or you keep it there that long for what?? 🙆♀️
SIX weeks? Before eating that, you HAD to have thought "Meh... I've lived a full life."
How is this guy not making money with his miraculous voice? Damn.
Right?! I don’t give a damn about lettuce, but he had me at hello!
He does have a great commercial voice!
Maybe he is
kipkay got some competion
YES!!
Also for those who are getting air in the bag a few things; A cheap thin bag (like from the Dollar Store) will be much less efficient because they are susceptible to tiny tears. A higher quality name brand bag is best. Also make sure to suck ALL of the air out of the bag so that it looks like it's cryovaced. Do this every time that you put the lettuce back into the fridge and it will most definitely work. I've been doing this at home for years and it has never failed. I hope this helps :)
Yeah, well, our kids and their kids are going to look "cryovaced" by the time we stop using this thick plastic "for years". Do yo wash your plastic straws each time or just toss them?
Some videos suggested using paper towerls in the bag with the lettuce. Any thoughts ?
Dan, Doesn't the lettuce need to be COMPLETELY DRIED BEFORE sealing the bag in order for it to remain fresh?? Should use a spinner to dry it ....
I use a metal straw these days.
Yes, the paper towel works well to absorb excess moisture
Shoulda said in my previous comment. I cut the lettuce into proportions for serving. Did the bag seal trick. Last bag was 6 weeks old and a few ends of the leaf were just starting to wilt. This worked so well, I bought a hand held vacuum sealer gor under $ 20.00 and always seal this way. Seal cheese too cause I live alone and was constantly throwing cheese away after buying shredded cheese for tacos. Too much in the bag and much too expensive to throwaway!!
I throw away a lot of cheese also. Will this work on iceberg lettuce also?
You can freeze cheese. Just portion out what you will use for a week or two at a time, and freeze.
@@andijackson2296 Thanks, cheese is expensive and I have had to throw out a lot. Appreciate it.
You can also wrap the cheese in a plastic wrap, like Saran wrap. Pull it tight around the cheese so no air gets in. Each time you use the cheese, re-wrap it the same way. Use a new piece of wrap if necessary. I used to work in a cheese shop, we bought cheese by the wheel and that's what we did to keep it fresh.
Nancy Dubin was the lettuce wet or dry when placed in zip bag
Also r u saying seal the same way for 🧀cheeze ?? And it won’t mold ?
Also good to use the air displacement method. Submerge the Ziploc bag in a buck of water till all the air is gone, zip tight, enjoy!
Aldana G. - A SINK OF COOL WATER, OR A POT OF WATER LARGE ENOUGH T HOLD A HEAD OF LETTUCE, WILL WORK JUST AS WELL. JS
what about cilantro... plz tell
Since changing to a plant based diet a few years ago, lettuce never lasted long enough in our house to go bad, but with the pandemic looming over us, I try to only go to the store every 2-3 weeks, so this video is a lifesaver.
I tried this with cookies but I ate the cookies as I was separating them.
Ty Cox 😄lol
🤦🏾♀️
Lol...
Something to be said for low carb diets. And no, it's not low carb because you ate them! ;)
For years I have been trying to figure out the best solution. This is cheap, efficient, and straight to the point. Thankz Dan
And so much PLASTIC for the oceans! :-D
Zenovia Harris. Hi Zenovia. If you have really spent years trying to figure this out, then you really need to get out more 😂 Of course you should wait for lockdown to finish first
Stephen Andrews well this comment is old Hun 🤦🏽♀️ n 71 other people seems to agree with me thank you very much
Zenovia Harris.Well you now seem to have 75 people agreeing with you Zenovia. I am sure you didn't take my comment too much to heart. Stay safe & healthy during these worrying times 😀👍
Yes, it works. Another trick is after you rinse any greens, shake well and then I wrap it in paper towels or a clean dishcloth and then slide it into a plastic grocery bag and tie loosely. Amazing.
Mushrooms, I always buy whole unsliced. Bring home, tip onto a large dish cloth and wrap before sliding in a bag or large container with a lid. Towels, cloths or paper wicks away moisture and they stay beautifully.
That works perfectly!
Watching this at the beginning of the apocalypse. I hope we survive.
Apocalypse....Hahaha 😂🤣
Hope you are doing well a month in to the apocalypse.
Brenda Meredith As the large companies is killing ALL its animals because they can’t sell them, are you still laughing? Hope you got your TP.
Thanks for the handy tip I’ll have to give it a try. I extend my lettuce by washing, parring off excess water rolling lettuce up dry paper towels and putting the in a gallon ziplock. I like your idea better. Oh and when I was my vegetable that I don’t personally grow, I add vinegar to the water and let them sit in the solution for a bit to kill off molds or bacteria’s.
Quick I must run to my fridge & suck my lettuce through a straw
🤣🥬
msjuicy ツ 🤣🤣🤣 let's laugh together
But this is so much plastic ! Better to wrap it in cotton fabric and it stays fresh for a long time. We use the fabric again ( jush wash it).
SUMMARY (of video & Dan's comments below):
1. break DON’T cut leaves away from stem. Note: longer shelf life when torn from stem rather than cut. If cut, will last up to a week (rather than 3). This is b/c once the leaves are cut they are no longer "living" and will break down faster.
2. clean (if wet, then dry completely)
Options:
- drain in a colander then pat with paper towel
- lay out on paper towels for about an hour
3. put in ziplock bag (thicker, higher quality is better. Recommend: “gauge bag”)
4. seal almost to the edge then insert straw in the end and suck out all the air (so that it looks like it's cryovaced). Can also use lips if no straw. Or try hand held vacuum sealer (under $20). Note: The whole idea is to keep oxygen out of the gas so lettuce won’t break down.
5. put in refrigerator
6. repeat every time you use some of it (rinse & reuse the same thick plastic bag over and over and over. Same with the plastic straw).
Thank you.
When you wash the lettuce and any produce, soak it in water, for 10 mins., with a tablespoon of vinegar to kill latent bacteria and remove pesticides and fertilizer residue.
@@farshimelt Nice! Will do. Thanks!
@@farshimelt I've heard hydrogen peroxide also works
@@douglascampfire678 Yes it does but vinegar is a lot cheaper & any residue of H2O2 will leave a terrible taste.
1:07 "Now....where's that hole?"
That's what HE said.
Haha he did, I heard him.
Omg yes hahaha i heard it too. The Office fans.
And old lady taught me this trick when I was living in South Africa many many years ago - I've never forgotten it. x
my grandmother taught me this back in high school she always said sealed it up good and use an straw to suck the air out. it will last longer. and still today I use it on everything I freeze
he reminds me of captain Spalding from house of a thousand corpses
I also scrolled down to check to see if this comment was already made, lol.
i thought the same thing, don't he make you laugh
Yes, this works with any greens as well as celery. No salad spinner needed, just make sure after you wash the greens that they drain enough in colander. This works perfect for whole leaves that have not been cut up. Once the leaves are cut they are no longer "living" and will break down faster, although you will get some longevity using this method, but for maximum longevity keep them whole until you are ready to use them. I hope this helps. - Dan
This guy has a great radio voice! Thanks for sharing.
Thank you Rebecca!
Do people really actually spend time worrying about this??? I guess they must all be Americans
Stephen Andrews - I live in Zambia, Africa - 1/3 of our population are HIV + not to mention TB and Malaria...we are expecting thousands of people to die in the next 3 months. We are getting ready to completely self - isolate for atleast 120 days - not leave our home at all....finding ways to store fresh veggies and fruit has been a challenge -.and being able to eat fresh lettuce is going to be a huge treat and boost.
@Stephen Andrews - I'm happy for you that you can simply buy a head of lettuce and throw 3/4 of it out. Good luck with that.
We don't spend our time "worrying" about our lettuce but we do enjoy prolonging the useful shelf life of it. This way we can enjoy delicious salads without running back and forth to the store all the time.
Contrary to popular thinking,, there are many of us who eat healthy, save our money where we can, and live happy God-fearing lives. Shocking, right?
S R. No matter where anybody lives, I am absolutely amazed that any person or family can make a lettuce last for 3 weeks. Surely someone would eat it before then?. In our house I doubt if it even lasts 3 days
Steve McCormick. Hi steve I don't remember saying at any point that any lettuce gets thrown away!!! I guess like most houses they actually get eaten & usually in just a few days. As for running back & forth to the shops "ALL THE TIME". Well I hardly think going shopping at some stage in less than 3 weeks, can hardly be classed as "ALL THE TIME". Long may you continue to Enjoy your lettuce. Hope you stay safe & healthy during these troubling times 😀👍
I just spent 45 minutes watching videos about storing lettuce. You are the winner. Congratulations.
Thank you Thomas!
It works. I squeeze the bag when it's full and then seal the last 1/2 inch before air can get back in. It will last quite a while. Now make bananas last Dan
That's one that I'm asked a lot. I will put a video together on that subject very soon Sam!
Does this work for pre-washed salad? It goes super fast. I put mine in a plastic box specifically made for keeping a head of lettuce fresh but it didn’t seem to work for prepackaged salad. It was mushy in a day or two. I’m single so I buy two small bags but I can’t finish it quickly enough. Thanks.
Pre-washed/packaged salads whether organic or conventional are packaged in bags with special technology that allows the product to breathe. Thousands of micro-holes allows the gases produced by the product out and air to come in. With this technology your packaged salads should last a good week in your refrigerator. If you are buying baby mixed greens, such as spring mix, baby romaine or any of the baby mixes the leaves are very tender and bruise easily, when this happens they break down quickly. The other factor may be time out of refrigeration. Once that package is removed from the store's refrigerated shelves and placed in your cart the "cold chain" is broken. The amount of time it takes to continue shopping and the trip home before it gets into the refrigerator could very well be the problem. If it's longer than 45 minutes then your salad will have very minimal life.
I have never been a fan of packaged salads, I just can't wrap my head around eating greens that are rinsed with bleach even if it is a mild amount. My suggestion is to buy full heads of whatever variety organic lettuce that you enjoy and cut it up yourself, it takes very little time and you won't keep losing product and money. I hope this helps you MyQueenFreddyMercury! If you have any more questions feel free to email me at danthefreshproduceman@gmail.com
Dan the Produce Man
Thanks!
After watching, I live in Ireland and would love to call into Dan's Store lol Unfortunately I can't but a fantastic video well done 👍🏻
Brian Monteith me too but it’s a bit far....😂🙏🏼
It seems much easier to use a salad spinner to remove the water and then putting the lettuce into a Tupperware container. Will last at least 3 weeks.
Even better to wrap them in paper towels in serving sized amounts.
Great tip, thank you Barbara!
I think a combination of paper towels and straw method would be great!
@@DantheProduceMan
A STRAW..!!!?? A STAW..!!!?? .. OMG.. I'M SO TRIGGERED RIGHT NOW...!!! OMG .. A PLASTIC BAG..!!!?? A PLASTIC BAG!!!??.. I NEED A PAPER BAG, I'M HYPERVENTILATING.. SAFE SPACE..!! SAFE SPACE..!!
😂
Ok, what about iceberg ? Not everyone uses romaine
Iceberg's my goto lettuce. Gotta have that crunch!
legend has it the lettuce is still fresh 5 years later.
You pay $6.00 for lettuce in California???
Gotta be a better way. I refuse to suck lettuce.
Ahhh Terry, you just don't know what you're missing! :)
I used to do this. My daughter pointed out I am sucking in all the germs of anyone who touched it prior to my purchase. Can not win.
Remember when growing up all the times you told her to wash her hands before eating? This is her revenge.☺
I use a Foodsaver vacuum sealer. I use the containers and I just take some out and vacuum the air out again
That works perfectly!
Great tip on using the straw and on breaking the leaves off one by one rather than cutting through the bottom of the bunch. Thank you! 🙏🙏🙏🤗
Nice! Learn something new each day!
I'd be concerned with people reusing the same straw... randomly flipping the sucking side... especially today.
Really? Just throw the straw out.
@@johnmal5975
Knowing people, they won't. Including restaurant owners. I've talked to servers before and learned the inside scoop.
@@invent5540 Yes I use to own a deli you are probably right! I now own a cleaning company and I am amazed at how many people defrost meat on the counter when they are at work. I always make a mental note well I will never eat dinner over here. Lol
DO NOT do this at your restaurant, deli or any other food service establishment! This is just one of many methods and is meant for private home use only.
Oh my gosh...9 years latter.....thks so much for the advice, from all the comments I know it works Dan. question: will this work for parsley, cilantro and celery??? Can you mention all the uses you’ve given this method? Thks. again.
Thank you for watching Monica, yes, it will work for all leaf items, of course, some leaf items are more delicate than others and the length of time will vary, but yes it does work for them.
VERY INFORMATIVE😊
But what about the straw police here in Cali? 👮🏽♂️👮🏽♂️ Lol #NoStraws4You
😂
Hey Dan, Zip Bags are not air tight anymore.. they all leak!
bummer
I find that not washing it(wash as needed)& storing it in a glass tight fitted jar preserves longer life of lettuce,it discovered that for myself!!!! IT WORKS!!!!
Sounds like a good method!
Washing your lettuce means a whole new thing in the uk
This is called vacuum. Im from the future.
I thought plastic straws were banned !!! 🤔
Yes, they are Stephen, and in 2012 when this video was made they were not. There are many alternatives to plastic straws out there now that are biodegradable and compostable.
hey Dan I love your content, I just found you out today, and I love your enthusiasm for lettuce and vegetable products, and I made a video using my favourite Dan voice clips from this video, it's really bad but I will be watching more of your content, thank you for your continued years of wisdom.
Put on some plastic gloves!! Safe food handling first!🤪
this video is 8 years old, the idea of using a plastic wrapped straw is deplorable to modern 2020 people.
no need to wrap them in paper towel? i stumbled upon your video coz i recently started doing low carb / low calorie so i wanted to know best ways to preserve my greens. i will give this a try.
No need gor a paper towel if you let the lettuce/greens thoroughly air dry. However it will absorb excess moisture, so it's whatever you're most comfortable with. Best wishes on Keto success!
It worked for me, but I don't like lettuce 😐
In an effort to eliminate as much plastic from my home and from the landfills/ocean, I decided to use glass containers to store my veggies, including lettuce. I just started, so don't know how long they will last, and actually, we'll use it within a week, so I may never know about lettuce, but I don't always use the kale, spinach, cucumbers, or tomatoes within a week. Do you, Dan, or anyone else, have thoughts on using glass containers with "airtight" lids for storing these veggies, and/or fruits?
Hi Lelo, Two things: 1 86 the straw and just use your lips directly onto the small opening of the bag. This will get more air out. Suck it out until the lettuce looks and I emphasize looks like it is getting crushed then seal the bag really fast. It should hold.
2. try a higher quality ziplock. It works best with thicker plastic.
Thanks for tuning in!
Dan
You may need a higher quality zip lock or it was not sealed up enough or there may be a micro hole in the bag.
Dan the Produce Man I use this method when closing my loaf of sandwich bread. It datays soft longer.
Hey Guys and Gals....when using plastic zip bags, I only use the Freezer type and most times it's the Zip Lock Brand, they're stronger, I also wash and reuse them as long as no raw meat has been stored in them. When they're no longer good, I'll rinse, let them dry , then recycle them with the plastic bags I take back to the stores for recycling. When I refrigerated or freeze anything , most times I'll use the Square Rubbermaid Take Along Containers, the ones with the red lids, they seem to have a better seal, the square shape doesn't waste space and they're easier when stacking. I'm so excited to try that idea about lettuce, WOW!!!! That sure will be Great, going to let my family know too. Everyone Stay Safe, Stay Well and GOD BLESS !!
My aunt used to wrap it in newspaper ans put it into a cool cellar and it kept fresh. All without plastic. And come on, it's a tiny lettuce not 100 tons of potatoes. Who need 3 weeks to eat that
In most cases it should be gone in just a few days and replenished with new stuff. Eat your veggies daily folks!
The lady on the left is the reason a person has to really clean the produce very well. She touched a lot before taking one.
Lol too true. The way we live now.
It isn't just her.....there's the farmers, workers who picked it from the fields, the packers, loaders, sellers , buyers and etc.
WOW So Much FRESH PRODUCE As IF IN VEGE HEAVEN n such great tips THANKS DAN
QUESTION,
So you're not wrapping the lettuce in paper towels?
Do you know how the thunder sounds in produce aisles work? Do they use a CD with the thunder sound recording on it?
Good question Arizona Elevators, I would imagine it is a digital recording on a timer, but I will ask my friend who is the produce director for a large supermarket chain and get back to you on that.
I do know that the misting systems that were installed back in the 1980s would just start spraying without notice and customers were getting wet. In a store that I worked at back then, a lady complained because she just came from the hairdresser and it messed up her hairdo as she was picking out some carrots. The warning audio came into play as a result of many similar incidents.
Thank you so much, Dan! I have wasted so much lettuce because I didn't know how to keep it fresh. You're the best!!!
Thank you Nancy!
AWESOME. MAKES TOTAL SENSE. WISH I WOULD OF THOUGHT OF IT. TWO HEADS BETTER THAN ONE. LOL
😂
I'm still eating lettuce I bought 3 years ago!
I'm sure it has created its own dressing by now.
It in hour garden!!!!
@@DantheProduceManAnd that's when you get to use the straw again! ;)
@@MarkleZephire Ohhh, THAT'S what it's for!! 🙄🤣🤣😅
Saved my life... Million dollar vid..
Vacuum seal it. That's the way.
What? No paper towels needed? No plastic containers with airtight lids? 😮
This works for heartier lettuce, but iceberg is different. I prep my lettuce, but also add and change out plain white paper towels to absorb any excess moisture, and poke air holes in the bags
sounds goo momo!
This guy has a plastic straw in the Bay Area, call the cops!!!
😂
I've got to try this. My sandwiches need crisp fresh lettuce, not soggy. Thank you.
Hello! from Rowland Height's, CA.
Hello Anthony! Thanks for watching!
Excellent tutorial. Thanks for sharing. Be well.
You're kidding!? Wow!
Amazing!!!!
I wonder if this will work wellwith baby lettuces. He did say it may not last longer, but I guess ill have to try this lil trick!
👋👋 checking in for the 2020 pandemic situation...i need a long shelf life for everything!
I just bought a bunch of lettuce and I refuse to let it go to waste! 😂
Language Learning Lover 🙌 OH-KAY! and considering i have more time on my hands now - i’ll save a few coins & chop it up myself vs. grabbing pre-made in the bag.
Let’s Talk Business Exactly what I did! Mine is prepped now! 🙌🏾
Great tip, but I thought plastic straws were banned in CA.
Straw in calif😳
Your point is well-taken Julie, keep in mind that this video was shot seven years ago before we were made aware of the negative impact of plastic straws on the environment. Having a set of metal straws on-hand is recommended.
Definitely trying this out
It works fresh after 3 weeks
OMG love this advice and brings back memories seeing where he is from I graduated Encinal HS in 69!
When you're a Jet, you're a Jet...
Arhghh Where's that hole
Yes & 3 weeks later you have a lettuce that still has your corona virus breath on it!!!
Lol
mlynn garces. Stay safe & healthy 😀👍
But your inhaling, not exhaling into the bag.🙄
Jay Tee. Don't worry I'll just drink some Discenfectant 🍹 cheers
Hey Dan, Awesome video & channel. You've got a GREAT voice! If you ever want another revenue stream, I voice and produce commercial spots. Let me know huh? ;)
Hi Jeff, let's talk. Please send contact info to: dansfreshproduce@gmail.com- Thx.
Hahaha!
Great.... But we eat that lettuce in 3 days or less. We have salads every day... Lol
That's the best way!
Well, grocery shopping was a major ordeal here in Los Angeles at the height of the COVID panic.
Nobody here would have tried to shop every 3 days. Hell, once a week was too often. So of course we tried to buy enough for a couple weeks if we could.
Even without COVID, I try to stock up to some extent, so it's always good to know how to extend the life of the produce I buy so I'm not running to the store twice a week.
LOL🙄
Eat it . No plastic pleace
Thank you for sharing, Sir! 👍🥬
I learn a lot of things working in produce. I am going to train for produce manager.
I bet you'll make a top notch produce manger Yesit'sJess!
I have not wasted one piece of fruit or vegetable. Just started making smoothies out of them!
Thanks for the tips
I had no idea Captain Spaulding knew so much about lettuce. He should have talked about it more in Rob Zombie's movies.
Thanks !!!!!! FINALLY !!!!!!!!!!! , PLAIN AND SIMPLE IN 2 MINUTES OR LESS. NOW MY FIRST GARDEN LETTUCE CAN BE SAVED !!! LOVE YOU DAN 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍🙌🍻😇👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
Let's be honest none of us searched for this.
But you found it😂
I love you
Nice. Maybe you can tell me how to keep lettuce freshly picked fresh .I know the farms spray something on them . by the next day at market I just want to trash my lettuce. Thanks Angie with Mauki Sun Farm STL
After you pick your lettuce place it in a jar or depending on how much you've harvested in a tub of water with the cut or root side in the water. Think of it like cut flowers in a vase, the cut side absorbs the water because the plant is still alive. Lettuce or any greens work the same way. Place that in the refrigerator and it should last longer. Let me know how it turns out for you: danthefreshproduceman@gmail.com
@@DantheProduceMan Thank you I will try this this season ,
We have a 1 eyed guinea pig, and he eats a LOT of lettuce, but he's also a picky little SOB. If the lettuce isn't fresh, he won't touch it. We spend a small fortune on lettuce (leaf, romaine, butter, hydroponic), so I was looking for a way to avoid the supermarket, just for the guinea pig, three or four times a week. I have to say that the best way I've found so far is a modification of this: I do everything he suggests, except I store the lettuce in a tall square plastic container, with one bamboo (or paper) towel each at the top and bottom of the container, and the lettuce, spun dry, between them. I don't keep it a long time; I just have to keep it SUPER fresh, and this works. I can't verify for how long, or if it'll work with spring mix (which I've found notoriously short-lived), but FWIW, it does keep lettuce leaves PERFECTLY FRESH for at least 4 days.
Very important!! Food is scarce!
I hope it isn't where you live. 🙏
Thanks Dan 😎👍
I’ve got to try this. Thanks!
such a pretty market thankyou dan from fl
ok i skimmed thru it but I see nothing that would make me change my mind..... ty anyway...If im gonna eat healthy , I mix it up and no dressing, avacado is my dressing....
Thank you sir.
Sid Haig , working in produce now.
"don't we make you laugh..."
also could you settle a debate for me? ....my dad wants to eat Spinach that is soggy wet at tips even though bag was just opened...sell by date Sept 13, 2016....I stated it was starting to rot and insisted throwing it out..so two fold question is who's correct and Why is it rotting in bag that was purchased two days ago?
Appreciate your input...
Janene: Tell your dad... he can do as he please... but if he gets sick, you will not take care of him... it's called the stupid tax...
I cant get red leaf lettuce to crisp up, how do you prep it up to put it on your green rack?
Recordgrooves
Fill your sink with lukewarm water. Lukewarm, not hot, not cold, lukewarm. Butt the lettuce and place them in the sink with the cut butt ends fully submerged in the water. Leave them for 20-30 min then place in the walk in for a few hours. Obviously this is prepping ahead of time while existing product is still on the stand.
The key is keeping the cut stem in in the water, it'll crisp up nicely that way.
Let me know how it works out for you, this is how I've been doing it for years.
Dan
@@DantheProduceMan YOU can also use a little vinegar in your water bath, doesn't matter if cold, this will also revive the lettuce. Try it out. :)
just eat the damn lettuce