Are Pre-Washed Salad Greens Really Pre-Washed?

See this newer post for the answer to this question & more info on how greens are produced.

Before having kids, I used to pride myself on my ability to wash, dry and chop my own lettuce. “What’s so hard about buying a head of lettuce?,” I would think to my (judgmental) self.

Now I totally get it.

When you have zero time to spare, or when little hands are pulling at your pants the whole time you make dinner, pre-washed baby greens are a godsend. These days, buying pre-washed salad greens is often the thing that allows me to put together a salad or pizza on hectic nights, instead of ordering in or buying prepared food. This makes packaged greens totally worth it to me, since eating more salad and more meals at home are good for both family health and budget.

I always wonder though, are “pre-washed” lettuces really pre-washed? Like washed in the way that I would wash them at home?

I’ve been told the answer is yes, but a few days from now I’ll be able to tell you for sure.

Later this week, I’ll be flying up to Carmel Valley to visit Earthbound Farm, the country’s largest grower of organic produce. Earthbound was the first company to offer pre-washed, packaged salad, and also the first to introduce mixed baby greens (aka “spring mix”) into grocery stores and restaurants.

Earthbound is now in 75% percent of U.S. grocery stores and grows everything from raspberries to baby kale. But they remain committed to their organic roots, as well as to food safety, cleanliness and the environment.

I’ve heard that their pre-washed greens are as clean – or cleaner – than you could ever imagine. After visiting their farmland and processing facilities a few days from now, I’ll give you my first-hand take on this! Read here what I learned.

This post is brought to you by Earthbound Farm. Beginning in October, I’ll be partnering with Earthbound to bring you some great posts about organics, reducing waste and eating more produce. Can’t wait!