It is important to maintain proper temperature of salads and cut vegetables to preserve their quality and appeal. You'll get the best results if you refrigerate all produce immediately once you get home. Keep your packaged salads at 34 ° F.

Fresh produce should last in your refrigerator through the sell-by date on the package, usually 5-7 days once you get it home. Your lettuce, spinach and vegetables should smell fresh and feel clean to the touch. If you notice your lettuce or spinach leaves are turning dark, wilting or turning dark and developing wetness, it's time to pick those pieces out of the mix and discard them.

Today's salad bags are designed to keep your produce fresh. It is important to preserve the packaging of an unopened salad bag. Even the smallest pinhole to a bag can jeopardize the shelf life of your salad and accelerate deterioration. Before you buy, make sure to examine your salad bag in the produce section – if the bag compresses easily, there may be a small hole in the bag, and you'll be better off with a different bag.

To maintain freshness, leave unused portions in original bag, squeeze out excess air, reseal tightly with clips and store in refrigerator crisper between 34-36°F.