Keeping Salad Mix Fresh
Have you ever avoided purchasing that big bag
of salad mix because you thought it would probably
spoil before you finished it? Costco produce buyer
Frank Padilla says the best way to ensure that
salad mix stays fresh is to remember six words:
keep it cool; keep it sealed. He suggests making
it the last item to go in your basket when you
visit the warehouse, thus reducing the time the
product is unrefrigerated.
Each bag of salad mix is maintained at a
temperature below 40°F while it is at Costco.
When the salad mix does not last as long as the
printed use-by date on the bag, it is normally
because of extreme temperature fluctuation
between the time it left the warehouse and when
it was placed in a refrigerator.
Once opened, the bag should always be
reclosed in order to deter oxidation on the cut
edges. A good plastic clip will help ensure a
good seal. Keeping the bag refrigerated and
sealed can prolong the usable life of salad mix.
Mariann Raftery, Scarsdale, New York
FROM THE MEMBER’S KITCHEN
Mariann’s Arugula
Asparagus Salad
1bunchasparagus, 1/4cupoliveoil
steamedcrisp-tender, 2tablespoons
cutinquarters redwinevinegar
1 bunch fresh arugula, 1/4 cup purchased
stemmed Italian dressing
1 head endive, separated, Salt and pepper
sliced in 1-inch pieces
1/4to1/2red onion,
sliced thin
1. Combine asparagus, arugula, endive and red
onion in a bowl.
2. Whisk together oil, vinegar and Italian dressing.
Season to taste with salt and pepper.
3. Toss dressing with salad mixture. Serve
immediately. Makes 4 servings.
Big Valley Fruit Salad with
Honey-Orange Dressing
Big Valley is the premier brand of J.R. Wood,
Inc., one of the largest manufacturers and
processors of fresh frozen fruit. Try this
exciting blend of fruit in a zesty salad recipe
that complements any meal.
3/4cuplow-fatplainyogurt 41/2tablespoons
1/3cupnonfatmayonnaise orangejuice
1/3cup honey 21/4teaspoons vinegar
11/4teaspoonsgrated 15-poundpackage
orangepeel BigValleyDeluxeMixed
Fruit*, semi-thawed
1/2teaspoon dry mustard
1. In a small bowl, whisk together yogurt,
mayonnaise, honey, orange peel and mustard
until blended. Gradually mix in orange juice
and vinegar.
2. Place fruit in a large bowl, discarding juice; toss
fruit gently with dressing. Cover and refrigerate
until ready to serve. Makes 10-12 servings.
*Brands may vary by region; substitute a similar product.
