The Lettuce Experiment and a Giveaway

February 7, 2010

THis giveaway is closed– long ago, actually. So sorry.

In anticipation of post-Superbowl guilt and regret regarding food choices and excess, I’m revisiting the whole salad-in-a-jar idea this week. It is my number one skinny secret.

I’m also celebrating the 6-month anniversary of this blog. Leave a comment to be eligible to win the giveaway at the end of this post.

Several commenters on the first post of this blog, Salad in a Jar, have asked questions about using other methods to preserve lettuce. To validate my claims about why vacuum-packing lettuce is better, I did a scientific experiment right here in my very own lab kitchen.

On Sunday, January 17, I cleaned, chopped (with a regular knife–no plastic knife or hand tearing here because I don’t have time for that) and vacuum-packed Romaine lettuce fresh from the store.

Can’t be sure how fresh the lettuce in the store was and I realize it could be a factor. Nevertheless, I pretty much ignored that fact since it is out of my control. I always try to buy the latest date I can find–as I’m sure you do also.

In addition to the vacuum-packed lettuce, I prepared a plastic bag full of lettuce with a paper towel to absorb moisture. I also packed lettuce in quart jars but did not vacuum pack it–simply put the lid on.

Second Day

Fourth Day

Sixth Day

01 24 10 lettuce Eighth Day

Tenth Day

Twelfth Day

Fourteenth Day

What you cannot see here is how moist the lettuce is in the vacuum-packed jars compared to the other lettuce. Which means it’s crisper. Of course, there are no brown edges like the plastic bag lettuce and lettuce from the unsealed jar because there is no oxygen inside a vacuum-packed jar.

Let me reiterate that ALL LETTUCE WAS STORED IN THE REFRIGERATOR for the entire two weeks.

Only Romaine lettuce was tested. I would expect results with other types of lettuce to vary.

Observations:

1. Up until the fourth day, there doesn’t appear to be much difference in the brownness of the edges. However the vacuum-packed lettuce is crisper and more moist compared to the others. Guess you’ll have to take my word for it.

2. Unsealed, cut lettuce goes downhill after four days.

3. If you do not cut the lettuce, the results may be different. However, my whole reason for vacuum-packing lettuce is to make a grab-and-go salad that requires absolutely no preparation on a busy workday morning. Therefore I have NO EXCUSE for not taking a healthy lunch–every single day.

If you have been thinking about purchasing a vacuum-pack machine and aren’t sure if you will use it, here is my advice.

1. If you want to pack lettuce as I have shown, you ABSOLUTELY MUST have a wide-mouth lid attachment. You cannot pack lettuce in plastic bags.

You may also use plastic canisters sold with some systems but my experience with them is bad. They crack. Quickly. Don’t waste your money. Besides, the glass quart jars are cheap and you’ll want several of them.

2. Do you regularly shop at warehouse stores? If so, you can use it to freeze smaller portions. (Remember the plastic bags are expensive to buy.) Vacuum packed food does not turn icy like it does in plastic wrap or regular plastic bags.

3. Do you like to seal your flour, sugar, cornmeal, pasta, rice, etc? Quart and half gallon canning jars work well. Again you will need the wide-mouth lid attachment.

4. Do you like to keep your leftovers? If so, this is a great way to store them in the freezer while maintaining maximum freshness. Avoid the “icies”.

To summarize, if you don’t cook much, don’t buy much food, don’t think more than one day ahead about what you will eat, and/or have no interest in storing lettuce or fresh produce longer than 3-4 days, I would not recommend a vacuum-pack machine.

If, on the other hand, you cook a lot, buy in quantity, or want to get serious about eating right even though you have a tight schedule (i.e. salad in a jar), think about buying this handy gadget.

If you came to this post without any prior knowledge of “Salad in a Jar”, check out my video for a quick lesson in how to do it.

Are you still with me? If so, I am giving away a brand new vacuum pack machine from FoodSaver to celebrate the 6-month anniversary of this blog. It will come with a wide-mouth lid attachment which is essential for packing salad in a jar.

To enter the contest, tell me your favorite kind of food to see on this blog. It could be a specific dish or a general category such as desserts, low-calorie food, salad ideas, quick and easy or family favorites.

Please don’t enter more than once–thank-you very much. Winner will be chosen at random.

The contest will close Thursday evening, February 11! 2010 at 10:00 CST. Winner will be announced Friday morning February 12, 2010.

p.s. If you are reading this in your email, please leave a comment on my actual blog–online–to be entered in the contest.

p.p.s. This contest is sponsored only by me, Paula

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51 Stan February 11, 2010 at 8:56 am: Hi. Paula

I wrote a few weeks ago about my Pump N Seal experimenting, and I am glad to report I am fairly satisfied with the results. I will say, it seems to be an expensive piece of kit, for what it is. And the Tab-Chek item is reliable, if not also a bit pricey–for a band-aid like piece of tape with a swatch of latex(?)material for the actual valve, in the center of the vinyl tape. It is elegantly simple, yet effective.

Since I ordered the Pump N Seal and learned how the system works, I have found yet another alternative, the Ziplok Vacuum Pump. It is a similar to the Pump N Seal, but MUCH cheaper. I have seen them in Dillons (Kroger) Supermarkets for $4.00 and it includes 3 vacuum zipper bags in the box. The bags I have tried are useful, but inconsistent, in terms reliability. The Foodsaver Vacuum Zipper Bags are better. Foodsavers valves on their zipper bags look EXACTLY like the Ziplock Vacuum Bags but for some reason the Foodsaver Zipper Vacuum Bags just hold WAY better. I’d trust them for short-term freezer usage, but Foodsaver doesn’t recommend them for freezers at all.

BOTH of these pumps will work for jars nicely, with the following addition: Tab-Cheks. Tab-Cheks are a must, but I am aware that there are homebrewed valves. I have been unsuccessful with the homebrewed alternatives–so far–but am still trying. The supplied Tab-Checks from http://www.pump-n-seal.com/ work nearly flawlessly, making this alternative VERY portable and electrically independant.

If I can find a way to duplicate (or approximate) their excellent Tab-Cheks I will report back. Here is one idea: http://www.judyofthewoods.net/pump.html

Sorry I took so long to post my promised follow-up.

P.S. Your salad in a jar idea is my favorite, with ANY bread recipes a close 2nd!
52 Lowell February 11, 2010 at 2:17 pm: Great giveaway! I love main dish recipes.
53 Mary H. February 11, 2010 at 5:20 pm: Hi-I really enjoy your recipes. I would like to see more bread machine recipes. Thank you, Mary H.
54 Other Sis February 11, 2010 at 8:17 pm: Everything you do is great! But I confess I really enjoy the family favorites. Thanks for all your hard work–you make it look easy. And beautiful!!!
55 Jill February 13, 2010 at 11:41 am: I missed your giveaway, but I appreciate the tips on the vacuum sealer. If I ever get one, your advice will be very helpful!
56 Margaret February 20, 2010 at 9:10 pm: I always wonder how to keep lettuce fresher than normal. Now I have the answer. Thanks.
57 rachsbabycakes March 30, 2010 at 10:50 am: I always keep my veggies in jars or glass, it just keeps so much better. You have taken it a step further and I’m so impressed!! I just love this idea! Thank you so much for showing me how to do this!!
58 Lee Jacintho October 17, 2010 at 4:45 pm: I have to agree with EVERYTHING SAID HERE! Foodsaver is the best. I think they were called by a different name when they first came out.
I’ve had 2, I’m on my 2nd now, and I really need a new one. $$$ is the issue with me. I’d love to have the new vertical type. My apartment is so small, senior apartments usually are! I guess they think we don’t need much room.
Food saved in the vaccum bags and jars are by far better quality tha saved any other way. I’ve tried some of the other handheld type and even they are not as good as FOodsaver. Since I haven’t been able to break the habit of cooking for more than 1, my freezer is always full. Thank goodness for vaccum sealing with Foodsaver!
59 Pj gehring January 12, 2011 at 10:49 pm: I would love to see any lo-cal recipes as I’m dieting a d LOVE this site! The salad in a jar idea is genius!
60 Kristi Kearl January 29, 2011 at 8:24 pm: What a fascinating idea . . . makes me want to buy a FoodSaver. I’m wondering if you’ve ever experimented with those oxygen-absorbing packets you can drop into a jar before sealing. Do you have any idea how that method would compare with the air-sucking method?

Thanks!!
61 Paula January 30, 2011 at 9:37 pm: Kristi, I have no experience with the oxygen-absorbing packets. I’ll try them if I can find them.
62 Evelyn February 5, 2011 at 7:09 am: I would love to see low calorie foods on this site.
63 gale February 5, 2011 at 3:14 pm: I recently discovered your blog and was so intrigued by the salad in a jar. I have a husband and son who seem to be descended from rabbits in regard to eating salads. In reading American Wasteland, the realization struck that we are all responsible for wasteful eating habits and I’ve taken that responsibility to heart. The salad in a jar absolutely reduces waste and trips to the store. Vegetarian meals are a big part of our diet and would love to see more. As someone who has not cooked much variety in the past, the instructions and pictures you offer are invaluable.
Thanks,
Gale
64 Paula February 5, 2011 at 6:37 pm: Thanks for stopping by Gale. Hope you are able to incorporate Salad in a Jar into your diet.
65 Paula February 5, 2011 at 6:39 pm: There are quite a few. Look in the recipe index under skinny secrets for my favorites.
66 jackie February 8, 2011 at 4:19 pm: i found your blog today when looking for a greek yogurt recipe. yours looks great and i can’t wait to try it. i would love to win this awesome giveaway and seal up some salad for myself! i would love to see more low calorie dishes. everything i have already looked at looks great. going to try your tortilla soup this week too!
67 Marjorie February 9, 2011 at 12:06 pm: Hi! I really appreciate your instructions on making Greek yogurt. Thanks for taking the time to share your knowledge.

Marjorie
68 Paula February 10, 2011 at 6:32 am: You’re welcome Marjorie. Let me know if you try it and how it turns out for you. paula
69 Paula February 10, 2011 at 6:39 am: Hi Jackie, Hope the soup works out for you. It’s one of my favorite recipes on the blog. All of my lower calorie recipes are grouped together under the tab “Skinny Secrets” at the top in case you missed it. However, I need to add more. They aren’t quite as much fun to make or photograph as the sweet stuff and bread.
70 Susan April 12, 2011 at 11:35 am: Having just started Weight Watchers – this totally appeals to me!!! Please – PICK ME!!
71 Mark Paul April 26, 2011 at 8:47 pm: Nice blog. You are showing the difference through comparison. So that the benefit of using Vacuum bags can be recognized. Actually the main aim of vacuum packaging machine is to provide the items safety and preserve it for long time. there are many types of vacuum bags are available in the market, but the best one which is more user friendly must be chosen.

Vacuum packaging machine
72 Ranae Graham August 3, 2011 at 5:11 pm: I enjoy canning meats. Last month was my first attempt and find it really easy and the meat is so tasty, moist and easy for cooking last minute. You do need a vacuum canner, but it is well worth the money spent. An example of meat canning would be good.
73 Leah August 13, 2011 at 4:11 pm: I just love the pictures! It makes the food all the more delicious. But if I must pick a specific type of food, I would have to say desserts.
74 Paula August 13, 2011 at 6:36 pm: I’m with you Leah but man cannot live on dessert alone.
75 Ashley August 28, 2011 at 5:50 pm: Hi! I’m a grad student in the doctorate of chiropractic program in Marietta, GA. I am always on the go and LOVE the salad in a jar idea!!! I am always frustrated when I buy lettuce (either in bulk from Sam’s or smaller bags from the local grocery). I can never finish the lettuce before it goes bad… I despise cutting my own lettuce, so I tend to buy lettuce in bags that are already cut and washed and just hope for the best! My favorite is hearts of romaine as well. I only live 2 minutes away from my campus, but I still can’t find the time to get home for lunch on most days. My boyfriend commutes about 30 min to and from work each day, and I’m always looking for new recipes that are health conscious but taste good. We both come from southern Mississippi and Louisiana, so our cooking style tends to be from the creole/cajun family. The Foodsaver would be a big help in our lives. We are both on a tight budget (mainly because I don’t work – just school for now), and anything that would save time and money would be amazing! I recently discovered your blog on Stumble.com. I absolutely LOVE it!!! So many great ideas and recipes. I am a sucker for sweets. In fact, the main reason I work out is to be able to eat more! Next on my list to try is your triple coconut cake recipe (coconut is my mom’s favorite). Thank you so much!!!
76 Paula August 28, 2011 at 9:25 pm: Welcome Ashley, Nice to meet you. Good luck with your school.
77 Patty October 23, 2011 at 3:57 pm: thanks for the tips here. I have had a Food Saver for some time now………just never thought of the “salad in a jar” thing. Great Idea!
78 Connie November 26, 2011 at 4:17 pm: WOW! what a fabulous idea! Tonight I’m making a salad with the last of the iceburg lettuce I vacuum packed 10 days ago. It still looks green and crisp and I did what you suggested… cut it up and spun it dry and stuffed it in a half gallon jar. The ease of having that lettuce ready to go is such a bonus.
I’m fairly new to the foodsaver world and these tips are very welcome.
Many many thanks
79 Paula November 26, 2011 at 8:45 pm: You’re welcome, Connie. Thanks for dropping by.
80 Kurt November 28, 2011 at 12:25 pm: Hi Paula,
I would love to hear more about quick and easy healthy recipes.
81 Kristin December 1, 2011 at 12:59 am: Hi, I found your blog through pinterest! I’m starting cosmetology school in Jan/’11 and am really excited. I have a hard time eating right, always just going for ease and convenience. I really want/need to lose weight & get healthy so my husband and I can have a baby, and am really hoping to use school as a fresh start. Finding this is such a blessing, I love salad so i know i can stick to this! I truly hope and believe that this is what can help and jump start me to change my life and eating right. I thank you so much for sharing your great idea with us, and providing this opportunity to win this awesome product to get it done right! Thanks again and best of luck to everyone! *fingers crossed* )
82 Paula December 1, 2011 at 3:27 pm: Hi Kristin,
So sorry. The contest is over–long ago. Good luck with your salads. Let me know if you have any questions. Paula
83 Jenny January 1, 2012 at 9:43 pm: I would love to see some flavorful and healthy crockpot recipes. I am a busy mom and full time college student, so preparing a meal in the evenings can be challenging.

Thanks!
84 A Luna January 10, 2012 at 10:11 pm: thanks so much for the tip of salad in a jar….awesome!

Also, loved the Black and White Sesame-Teriyaki Chicken Thighs recipe!!
85 Amanda J January 19, 2012 at 10:48 pm: I saw lettuce in a jar on pinterest. I recently became vegetarian (not on my own will) and I am having a major issue with store bought salads turning brown or pinkish in just a few days. I can’t afford to keep throwing my produce out! I have a serious hereditary illness and recently had a surgery to help ease the symptoms. My body no longer tolerates meat or dairy. My family however, still does eat meat and dairy. I bought a Foodsaver 12 years ago, but it needs to be saved itself at this point! I would love to have another so maybe I could save my produce plus freeze small portions of meat for my family. Thanks for your great ideas!
86 Melisa January 24, 2012 at 2:02 pm: Wow, I love this idea! I’m single and really enjoy cooking, but it’s a hassle sometimes cooking for one. I have thought about a food saver and seeing this trick is inspiring me to think about it more. I’m always up for good dressing recipes. I like variety in my salad dressings, but the store bought salad dressing isn’t the best quality and I end up with tons of bottles in my fridge. I’m happy to have your ideas.
87 Bobbie Malvini January 24, 2012 at 11:21 pm: Some of my favorite recipes to read about are feezer meals for giving away.
88 Debra January 25, 2012 at 11:18 pm: Thanks for the comparison of bagging/jarring/vacuum sealing. I’d like a jar sealer (do have a foodsaver ), but can’t justify the cost for just myself. With your results I’m now comfortable just jarring the salad.as I would only be making it for myself. Four good lunches and just make another lettuce and other stuff run.
89 Emily January 26, 2012 at 10:54 am: We receive a lot of organic beef from my father-in-law each year…. round steak, t-bone steak, chuck roast, hamburger. I would love to learn about creative ways to work with beef. I’m a Chicken girl… but my husband and boys love their grandpa’s “cows”.
Thx!
90 Ardelle Brenteson January 26, 2012 at 1:51 pm: I just happened to go on your site looking for tips on vacuum packing lettuce. What I have looked at so far, appeals to me as I love to cook and bake also. Thanks for all the good ideas and recipes. Any recipe posted is welcome. Thanks for doing the give away prize.
91 Carolyn January 27, 2012 at 12:42 pm: Just saw your website and made the balsamic dressing with yogurt. I’m eating a salad right now with the dressing… very tasty!

Here’s another recipe I found somewhere. Would give credit if I could remember! This is awesome on a salad with fruit on it:

Citrus Dressing:

1/3 c. rice vinegar
2/3 c. OJ
2 tbsp finely chopped cilantro (omit if you don’t like it!)
1 smashed and finely minced clove of garlic
2 tbsp of olive oil (or less)
1 tbsp dijon or brown mustard (tho I’m sure yellow would be fine too!)
a little salt and pepper

Shake it up. It makes a wonderful, refreshing salad. For Christmas Eve dinner, we had a salad of red and green lettuce, orange sections, pomegranate seeds, orange zest, goat cheese crumbles. It was good, I garontee!
92 Carolyn January 27, 2012 at 12:46 pm: And by the way, I buy artisan lettuce from Costco: it’s an assortment of whole, small heads of lettuce in a plastic container. I immediately take them out and put in a green bag when I get home and it keeps for weeks. Then I rip up and wash a bunch at once, spin and put the spinner in the fridge. I cannot claim “nine days of salad”, which of course is absolutely brilliant, but it’s enough for me for 3 days or so.
93 Paula January 29, 2012 at 7:21 am: Carolyn,
Thanks for sending the recipe. I love cilantro so can’t wait to give this a try. Also want to try adding pomegranate seeds to my salad. pr
94 Terrim. January 31, 2012 at 10:07 pm: Love the salad idea! Need the vacuum!
95 sHolman February 2, 2012 at 11:35 am: Great idea. I wonder how it works with other salad items. I like carrots, celery, broc., … Can you put these in the jars and seal them and they stay fresh?
96 Bev Wuollet February 2, 2012 at 6:20 pm: I would love to see ideas for gluten free dishes. My daughter was diagnosed with Celiac disease a year ago and now my husband has a gluten sensitivity, so he is doing gluten free foods too. We picked up a food saver at a garage sale and have loved what it can do. I’m going to need to find a place to pick up a jar sealer. Great idea. We love to eat salad, but hate it when it spoils so quickly. Thanks for the great idea!
97 Beverly February 3, 2012 at 3:54 pm: Oh, I love how you do the salads. I would love to win this set so I could do my salads like you do yours.
Thank you,
Beverly
Texas
98 Katrina Yarber February 4, 2012 at 9:38 pm: Oh my goodness! I think THIS salad idea is the best! I love salads but after a couple of days it just gets mixed in with other stuff like tuna salad, etc to use it all up (it kind of disguises it that way), then I have to buy a whole new batch of different lettuces to mix and hope THEY will last… HA! Thank you SO much for this idea!!! Hopefully I can make this happen soon!