How to Choose a Salad Bag That’s Really Good
Salad season. Not because of the products currently available – although I love winter salad – but because now is the time to make decisions, plan meals and “get together”. Many people associate these things with food bowls – large metal bowls – filled with raw greens and other vegetables, and bagged salad sets are an easy way to do that.
Some salads are clearly better than others, and while the choice ultimately comes down to preference, there are a few general rules you should follow to get the most out of your handy set.
Look for a variety of ingredients
If you are going to outsource the cleaning and slicing work, you can outsource as much as possible. Buying a package of one kind of leaves and a few grated carrots is not worth it. I could wash and chop a head of romaine and chop a few dried carrots and that would be quick and cheap, but peel and chop a few greens, as well as broccoli, carrots, radishes, and/or any other vegetables they put in. it takes considerably more time and possibly more money, depending on how much of each ingredient you buy. (I rarely see an opportunity to buy just two radishes.)
Looking for heart boys
Tender little leaves like spinach and greens are a treat, but they are more easily damaged and more likely to become slimy if you “forget” to eat a bag of roughage in time. Sets that contain harder foods like finely chopped kale, kale, shredded broccoli stalks, and crunchy leaves like romaine and even iceberg will give you a little more indulgence about when you should be eating your salad.
look at the leaves
Actually study them. This is more important with a packet of tender leaves, but even stronger salad sets benefit from a first glance. If you see any soft wet spots, don’t buy this bag and check the “best before” date to make sure you’re getting the freshest bag your store has to offer. (If you’ve heard that bag puffing is a reliable way to tell how fresh your leaves are, put that out of your mind. It’s just not true .)
Looking for entertainment
Variety of ingredients in a salad base is important, but it’s the dressings and toppings that really make a great salad set. Some kits only cost one refill, and you shouldn’t settle for a simple ranch, especially when there is a dill and cucumber ranch . Look for a bag with valuable inclusions, such as gourmet cheese, nuts, dried fruit, or even potato chips—ingredients that you may not need in large quantities, or that may cost a little if you buy them separately or in a set. “normal” amounts. (I’m referring specifically to this kit that comes with Trader Joe’s Surprise Cheddar.)
Also, make sure there is at least one crunchy item in there. Crouton, tortilla strip, roasted pecan. At the end of the day, a good salad is a variety of salad, and this variety should extend not only in taste but also in texture.