Fresh Greens for Rocking Vegetables

hile Fresh Fruit for Rotting Vegetables was an EPIC release by the Dead Kennedys, that’s just not my plan for the fresh greens in my fridge. In fact, as I type this, I find myself deeply inspired by the pure vigor of Jello’s voice—though today, I'm channeling that frantic energy into community-level food preservation. Because let's face it: these days, it’s punk to be kind. For now, let’s see about lessening food waste before we take on the rest of the machine.

During my decades as a professional spinach monster, I’ve come up with a few ways to enjoy my preferred leafy decadence all week. For some time now, I’ve enjoyed the convenience of making my salads once a week and keeping them refrigerated in nicely stackable containers, adding any chosen dressing (and obviously sprouted lentils) at serving time.

However, I’ve never been partial to most varieties of lettuce, yet always respectful in social situations. (Food fights generally don’t make for future invites.) Stating that, I’ve not tried my tricks to preserve the different varieties of lettuce- perhaps they could benefit with these protections too. Spinach, Kale, Arugula generally will preserve for at least a week. Obviously, I cannot guarantee success to protect all greens in all climates and conditions, but that does sound inspiring doesn’t it? Maybe that’s where Jim Henson’s inspiration for Captain Vegetable started… Naw, probably something way cooler from that awesome dude.

Enough dawdling, let’s get down to these veggie hacks!

Open the container they came in , and insert a folded paper towel or two to absorb the excess moisture. You may need to switch out the paper towel if there’s a lot of moisture build up and sometimes wipe the excess condensation from the inside if the container. I do also try to make sure that there is some extra air in the bag. Also, not smashing them into a small space, it need to feel likes there’s room for them to be awesome in your fridge right?

When I compose my salads, I do pour a tablespoon raw plain chia seeds over the cut leaves- why not switch out the paper for an edible desiccant superfood, right? Any other ingredients that carry a lot of moisture (like tomatoes or cucumber) I’ll leave those whole until it’s lunchtime. The flip side to the chia seed moisture absorption hack is to not forget to check your teeth after you eat them. Alternatively, one good unchecked smile could give a dentist nightmares?

Oops, look it’s time for lunch! Crunch, Crunch, Crunch!!!