Sofia Martinez
Plastic is a pollutant that does not break down, and it contains BPA, a toxic chemical that can leach into our produce and eventually our bodies. Fortunately, there are many ways to keep greens fresh without using plastic. Our grandparents knew how to extend the life of their fruits and vegetables using glass containers and other methods, and many cost-effective, eco-friendly alternatives are now available.
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What You'll Learn
Use glass containers
Glass containers are an effective way to store greens without using plastic. Glass containers are a traditional method of food preservation, and they can help keep your produce fresh and crisp.
When using glass containers, it is important to ensure that your greens are thoroughly washed and dried before storing. Remove any stems, twist ties, rubber bands, or other packaging items. Washing your produce not only removes dirt and debris but also rehydrates the greens, helping to keep them crisp.
Leafy greens, such as lettuce, arugula, spinach, and kale, are best stored in a sealed glass container. Place the washed and dried greens in the container, leaving some room for airflow, and store them in a cool part of your fridge, such as the crisper drawer or towards the back. This method will help keep your greens fresh for nearly a week.
For certain types of produce, you can also store them upright in a glass of water. For example, carrots can be stored in a sealed glass container or placed upright in a glass of water in the fridge. Similarly, celery can be stored in a jar of water on the counter, and asparagus can be stored at room temperature in a glass of water with the stems down. Remember to change the water every few days to keep your produce fresh.
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Try cloth produce bags
Cloth produce bags are an excellent plastic-free alternative for keeping your leafy greens fresh. Reusable organic cotton bags, for example, are lightweight, versatile, and durable, making them perfect for grocery shopping and food storage. They are also cost-effective and easy to store in your handbag or grocery tote.
When using cloth produce bags, it is important to follow a few simple steps to ensure the freshness of your leafy greens. Firstly, remove the stems, cut, wash, and thoroughly dry the greens before placing them in the cloth bag. Make sure the greens are not packed tightly in the bag, as this can restrict airflow and cause them to rot.
For certain types of leafy greens, such as chard, it is recommended to spritz the cloth produce bag with water before storing them. This helps to keep the greens hydrated and fresh. Additionally, you can wash and spin dry your greens before storing them in a damp cloth bag. This method works well for lettuce and other leafy greens.
It is worth noting that while cloth produce bags are excellent for storing hardy vegetables, they may not be ideal for storing all types of leafy greens in the fridge. For example, Vejibags and The Swag offer specific cloth bags designed to keep leafy greens crisp and flavorful in the refrigerator. These bags can be rinsed and shaken, and the greens can be stored damp without needing to be completely dried first.
Overall, cloth produce bags offer a simple, effective, and eco-friendly way to store your leafy greens without plastic. By following a few simple steps and choosing the right type of bag, you can keep your greens fresh and flavorful for up to a week.
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Store in water
Storing vegetables in water is an effective way to keep them fresh without using plastic. This method works well for asparagus, celery, and carrots. For asparagus, fill a glass with water and place it on the counter, ensuring the stems are submerged in the water. Change the water after a few days, and the asparagus will stay fresh for over a week. Similarly, celery can be stored in a jar of water on the kitchen counter. This method will revive sad-looking celery stalks, making them look even better than fresh celery stored in the refrigerator. Remember to change the water every few days.
For carrots, cut off the ends and store them upright in a glass of water in the fridge. This method keeps carrots fresh and crisp. It is also possible to store leafy greens, such as lettuce, in water. After washing and drying the lettuce, place it in a damp cloth or tea towel, ensuring it is not packed tightly, and then put it in a glass container in the fridge. This technique will keep the lettuce fresh and crisp.
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Wrap in tea towels
Wrapping leafy greens in a tea towel or cloth bag is an effective way to keep them fresh without using plastic. This method works well for lettuce, arugula, mustard greens, dandelion greens, watercress, spinach, kale, chard, and cabbage.
To start, remove any stems, twist ties, rubber bands, and other packaging items from the greens. Then, wash the greens thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris, and to rehydrate them, helping to keep them crisp. Once clean, spin the greens dry in a salad spinner or cloth produce bag.
After the greens are dry, place them in a tea towel or bento cloth. It is important not to pack the greens too tightly, as this can cause them to rot. Instead, leave them with room to breathe. Then, tie a knot in the tea towel or cloth to close it.
Finally, place the wrapped greens in a glass food storage container in the cooler part of your fridge, such as the crisper or towards the back. This method will help to preserve your greens and keep them fresh for nearly a week.
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Freeze greens
Freezing is a great way to preserve your greens for later use. It is simple, cost-effective, and helps cut down on food waste. Here is a step-by-step guide to freezing your greens:
Step 1: Select and Prepare the Greens
Choose young, fresh, crisp greens with good colour and no blemishes. Remove any tough stems or roots, as they don't freeze well. Wash the greens thoroughly under cold running water to remove any soil or grit. You may need to rinse them several times to ensure they are clean.
Step 2: Cut or Tear the Greens
Chop the leaves and stems to your desired size. Small leaves can be frozen whole, while larger leaves might need to be cut or torn into smaller pieces.
Step 3: Blanch the Greens
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. The general rule is to use about one gallon of water for every four cups of greens. Place the greens in the boiling water and cover with a lid. Blanching times will vary depending on the type of green:
- Collard greens: 3 minutes
- Kale: 2 minutes
- Swiss chard, mustard greens: 2 minutes
- Spinach, especially baby spinach: 90 seconds
Step 4: Cool the Greens
After blanching, quickly transfer the greens to a large bowl of ice water. This step is crucial to stop the cooking process and help retain the colour, texture, and flavour of the greens. Let them sit in the ice water for the same amount of time as the blanching time.
Step 5: Squeeze Out Excess Water
Drain the greens and gather them in your hands. Squeeze out as much water as you can. Excess water will freeze and form ice crystals, which can affect the flavour and texture of the greens during storage.
Step 6: Form and Freeze the Greens
Once the greens are dry, pack them tightly into baseball-sized spheres. Place the spheres on a sheet pan, making sure they don't touch each other. Cover the pan with plastic wrap and place it in the freezer for about one to two hours, until the greens are partially frozen.
Step 7: Transfer to a Storage Container
Once partially frozen, transfer the greens to a heavy-duty plastic bag or another suitable freezing container. Remove as much air as possible before sealing the bag. Label and date the bag, then return it to the freezer.
Storage and Usage:
Properly frozen greens can last up to six months in the freezer, and even up to eight to twelve months if stored for longer-term preservation. When you're ready to use them, simply take out the desired amount and thaw them. Enjoy your nutritious greens all year round!
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Frequently asked questions
Wash and dry your greens, removing all stems, ties, and packaging. Store them in a sealed glass container or a loosely closed bag made from cloth or cotton.
Reusable organic cotton bags with drawstrings are a good option for storing greens without plastic. Vejibags and The Swag are two brands that offer plastic-free cloth bags.
Leafy greens can stay fresh for about a week when stored correctly without plastic.
Cut off the ends of your carrots and store them in a sealed glass container in the fridge or upright in a glass of water. You can also store them in a cloth produce bag in the crisper drawer of your fridge.
Store basil at room temperature with its stems placed in a jar of water. Storing basil in the refrigerator can brown the leaves and speed up its demise.
