Category: Product Reviews / kitchen products As food prices have skyrocketed, I have become increasingly interested in products that promise to keep my foods fresher longer; especially those meant to preserve fresh produce. It's just so painful to have to throw out those costly fruits and veggies because they ripen and rot faster than my family can eat them.
Before making my Costco run for apples, bananas, peppers, strawberries, tomatoes, romaine, and the like, I decided to give two products a go. Both promised to save me money by keeping my produce fresher longer. I tried Debbie Meyer GreenBags, as well as the Freshvac vacuum food storage system.
Debbie Meyer GreenBags can be purchased from multiple vendors, including Bed Bath & Beyond, HSN/HSN.com, and select grocery stores. I paid $9.99 for a box of 10 medium and 10 large bags. GreenBags promise to absorb and remove the ethylene gas that accelerates aging and deterioration of produce. Simply place one type of produce in each bag, making sure that the produce is dry before placing it in the bag. As moisture builds in the bag, simply wipe it out with a paper towel, keeping the bag and produce as dry as possible. Each bag can be used 8-10 times. I was pleasantly surprised with the longevity of my product when I used the GreenBags. The key for their effectiveness seems to be a combination of three things; 1) make sure that your produce is VERY fresh when you put it in the bag. If it has started to age at all, it is not going to last. 2) Ensure that produce is DRY when placing it in the bags, and 3) be diligent about wiping out any accumulated moisture. The third step was the hardest for me...sometimes I was better about it than others. I noticed that when I did take a few minutes to wipe out any moisture, my fruits and veggies really did last significantly longer! I figure the average cost per bag is $0.05 ($9.99 for a box of twenty, each used 8-10 times), definitely worth it!
Although I was pleased with the GreenBags, I was also interested in the Freshvac system because it claimed to preserve the freshness of all foods, not just fruits and vegetables, and it didn't require wiping out any moisture. The theory behind this product is to keep food fresh, you need to keep out the oxygen. By getting rid of as much air as possible and creating a vacuum seal, foods stay fresher longer. I liked the variety of sizes (rectangle and square, both in small, medium, and large), as well as the clean look. I filled some of the containers with produce, and saved the others for left-overs. I noticed that the container I had placed in my freezer didn't keep its seal, although the product says it is microwave, freezer, and dishwasher safe. I hoped it just had something to do with being in the freezer. However, I was disappointed to notice that two of the three containers I had in my fridge didn't stay sealed either. I re-read the directions, hoping that it was due to an error in my part, but I had done exactly as the box instructed. It seemed as though my money saving food storage system was nothing more than expensive tupperware. I plan on returning my Freshvac system tomorrow...I hope I can get my money back!
I agree --- they really seem to help with bananas in particular, which have a tendency to go from green to brown in about 1 day, if they aren't in the bags.
Amy Bernard wrote on August 03, 2008
At our family reunion last week we have a womens circle where we share great ideas we have learned. My aunt shared the green bags and said it is well worth the price! I plan to purchase some this week. thanks for the advice! Amy
