The Easy Trick that Keeps Salad Greens Fresh for Longer
Related: It's Your Last Day to Grab These Under-the-Radar Amazon Prime Day Outlet Deals
The method for keeping salad greens fresh and crisp lies in a simple, three-step process:
Begin by thoroughly washing your salad greens, and then drying them completely. You can do this by assembling the greens in a single layer on a towel lined sheet pan before patting them down with paper towels, or by using a salad spinner.
Next, lightly dampen a paper towel with cold water. Place it on the bottom of the bowl, and then transfer the greens to the bowl. Top the greens with another cold, damp paper towel.
Finally, cover the bowl loosely with cling wrap to allow for a bit of air circulation, and place it in the refrigerator. Check your greens every day or two, and if you see a difference in their quality, or the paper towels seem more damp than they originally were, replace them with fresh, slightly damp ones. That way, excess moisture will be continuously absorbed.
This method is helpful for a number of reasons. Excess moisture will make greens wilted and soggy. Paper towels control these levels by absorbing excess moisture so the greens will stay dry. The paper towel and loose cling wrap will allow for the correct amount of air circulation, because too much or too little air can also cause spoilage. While the paper towels are busy at work controlling moisture and air, the greens will remain crisp for up to a week - sometimes even longer. This approach is a no-brainer for preparing meals ahead of time, getting the most of your weekly grocery haul, and preventing food waste.
Be sure the paper towel is damp, and not wet. The role of a paper towel here is to absorb excess moisture from the greens. A soggy or dripping wet paper towel will work against your greens. It can cause accelerated wilting, browning, sogginess, and spoilage. Nobody wants a slimy finish on their salad.
Some mix-ins are ok to add, while others are not. If you're looking to further prepare your salad for later on, stick to heartier, non-soggy components that have skins, so they will not brown, wilt, or rot the greens. This may include whole cherry tomatoes, shredded carrots or cabbage, diced celery, dried fruit, and nuts or seeds. Avoid juicy, delicate, and very aromatic ingredients that can overpower or damage greens, such as sliced tomato, strawberries, avocado, onion, bell peppers, or beets. Leave these elements for later on, when you're ready to dress and serve the salad.
Don't overcrowd the greens. If you find yourself stuffing the salad greens into a bowl for refrigeration, the greens won't be able to breathe or release moisture. As a solution, try layering the paper towels throughout the greens. To do this, add one or two additional paper towel layers between the greens before sealing and securing them with the top paper towel and cling wrap.
If you can fit the bowl in the crisper drawer, even better. Humidity levels are better controlled in a crisper drawer, which means your greens will probably have even more longevity stored there. No crisper drawer, or tight on space? No problem! Your salad will still thrive on the refrigerator shelf.
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CNN
4 hours ago
- CNN
Social media loves Hulken bags, but are they worth over $100? I tested one against a $12 alternative to find out
I hate to brag, but since I moved to New York City a few years ago, I've become a top-tier schlepper. Without access to a car, I've quickly accumulated a collection of tote bags and backpacks that might help lighten my load. I've also learned that some carriers are better than others. Through all my trials (even attempting to use my hiking backpack to carry groceries), nothing has performed better than the Hulken Original Rolling Tote Bag. Though the brand officially launched in 2020 and has had a few viral moments in recent years, Hulken is still a name unfamiliar to many. In the city, I'll often spot fellow schleppers toting their bags about, but I still field questions, comments and glances nearly every time I roll mine around. The Hulken bag has become one of my favorite products to use, but even the smallest size costs $100. With many other rolling bags on the market, I wanted to see if these viral bags were truly worth the hype and the cost, so I tested one of Hulken's bags against a $12 Target version, inspecting the durability, comfort and design over weeks of heavy hauling. Hulken Original Rolling Tote Bag Smooth, sturdy and structurally built, the Hulken Original Rolling Tote Bag is a dream to use. It can easily haul heavy loads over miles of city streets, and look stylish while doing it. Though the price might initially give you sticker shock, with proper care, this durable bag will be your shopping and schlepping assistant for many years to come. Brightroom Storage Bag With Wheels For only $12, the Brightroom Storage Bag held up better than expected. The wheels and overall build are not as robust and durable as the Hulken bag, but if you need some help toting laundry or light loads over short distances, it can save you from extra effort. Polypropylene body Polyethylene body Small, medium, large One size 2,156 cubic inches, 4,224 cubic inches, 8,320 cubic inches (respectively) 7,360 cubic inches 33 pounds, 66 pounds, 66 pounds (respectively) Not listed 14 by 9 by 22 inches16 by 12 by 22 inches20 by 16 by 26 inches 24 by 20 by 16 inches 8 2 4 swivel wheels 5 swivel wheels 3 4 (2 long, 2 short) Yes Yes Yes Yes One of the major assets of both the Hulken and Brightroom bags is that they give you all the storage you want in an oversized tote, but with the shoulder- and back-saving convenience of being on wheels. Rolling totes are not just crafted for city-dwellers like me, they're also great for those with strength or mobility issues, busy parents who have to carry around kids toys or those who often need an extra hand hauling supplies or equipment to work. My largest regular trek is my weekly run to the grocery store, which is around 60 city blocks or almost 3 miles round-trip. Some days I'll hop on the bus, but often I'll end up rolling my groceries the 30-block distance from the store to my home. The Hulken makes this commute a breeze; it rolls over uneven concrete effortlessly, hops curbs and only requires a mild tug to keep it moving. The four swivel wheels let me steer the bag around pedestrians, construction zones and up and down the aisles of crowded stores with ease. In addition to concrete, the Hulken also glided easily over other surfaces, like hardwood, tile and carpet. The one downfall is that the Hulken doesn't always roll straight. The way you pack the bag — especially for heavier loads like groceries — impacts how seamlessly the bag moves, so you'll want to distribute the weight of your haul as evenly as possible. I took the Brightroom bag on the exact same trek I typically take my Hulken on and we got off to a promising start. The bag maneuvered fairly easily around the store, though the handles are shorter than the Hulken's, so taller folks might need to bend down more to reach them. Once the bag was full and out on the street, it rolled without issue — at first. Like the Hulken, Brightroom's bag also has swiveling wheels, and though the wheels are smaller — about half the size of Hulken's — there's an additional fifth wheel in the center of the bag to help keep things rolling evenly. Prev Next The first 10 blocks of my walk home went as expected, but somewhere around the halfway point, I started to feel like the bag was drifting further behind me and I had to use more arm strength to pull it along. The last five blocks of my trip, I felt like the wheels weren't even there and I was just dragging the bag along the ground and over curbs. After unloading it, I discovered that the center wheel had been damaged at some point during my journey, which likely played a part in my strained effort. The other four wheels were intact but looking worse for wear and physically hot to the touch, which was not a great sign considering this was my first outing with the bag. Granted, I don't think the Brightroom bag was designed to roll a mile and a half over nothing but concrete, but if anything, the struggles I faced helped to highlight just how well-crafted the Hulken bag is for tough, city conditions. For $12, the Brightroom bag fared better than I expected, but when the main draw of the bag is that it rolls, you want the wheels to be ultra-durable and built to last. Related article The 18 best storage bins and containers professional organizers swear by I didn't anticipate noise to be a factor between these bags, but it sure was. The Hulken bag makes a bit of sound when it's rolling over concrete or on hardwood floors, especially when it's packed full of groceries, but a little noise is expected from anything that rolls. The good news is that the noise isn't so loud that it interrupts normal conversation or would bother anyone you roll past for more than a second or two. By comparison, the Brightroom bag sounded like a jet engine. It's inexplicably loud; so loud that not even my noise-cancelling headphones could fully block it out. I was having a bit of social anxiety strolling with it down the street because I knew other people could hear me rolling it from halfway down the block. I thought the wheels on the Brightroom bag just might not be made for concrete, but even when I rolled it through the smooth, glossy floors of the office, it still echoed down the hall. The Brightroom bag was fine for short distances — like taking my laundry down the hall of my apartment building or moving odds and ends from room to room — but over long distances, I'd much prefer the smoother and quieter glide of the Hulken. Currently, I rely on my Hulken bag for three main tasks: grocery shopping, laundry and schlepping products for testing to and from our office. For fair testing, I swapped my Hulken for Brightroom's bag for all my typical tasks. The Brightroom bag has a lot of similarities to the Hulken: Both have swivel wheels, long handles, zip-close tops and solid bottoms for support. One drawback is that Brightroom's bag only comes in one size option and is quite a bit bigger than the small and medium-sized Hulkens. The same amount of groceries that normally fills my Hulken took up only a third of the total space in the Brightroom bag. Even my grocery cashier commented on how massive the bag was. In my testing, I found that the Brightroom bag was better equipped for light loads even though it's larger — I'd say no more than about 35 or 40 pounds. The more flexible structure and large capacity is especially useful for hauling cumbersome laundry and linens. This generous capacity also means the Brightroom bag has a larger base. I found the wider, square shape of the Brightroom bag more difficult to navigate through small areas (like on public transit or within store aisles) than the Hulken bag, which has a narrower, rectangular design. Hulken does offer a large-size bag that's even a little bit bigger than Brightroom's bag, but it will run you almost $115 more. I also appreciated that the Hulken bag has a more rigid structure. Whether the bag is packed to the brim or just holding a few items, it retains its rectangular shape and stays propped up. The upright build makes the bag easier to pull and keeps it free-standing, so you can load items in without having to hold the bag open. The rectangular shape of the Hulken does slightly limit what size and shape items you can place inside, since for the best fit, things will need to be smaller than the top opening of the bag. Though this structure also prevents items from shifting around once inside and keeps things more evenly distributed than the Brightroom bag. Hulken's medium bag is the size I most frequently use and in addition to its impressive 66-pound weight limit, I like that the bag is large enough to carry everything I need, but still narrow enough to weave through crowded store aisles. Hulken's bags feel like they're made with city-dwellers in mind; the small and medium-sized bags fit onto a single escalator step and just clear underneath the height of the subway turnstiles. The three 'unbreakable handles' on each of the bags are reinforced with a plastic coating, which provides added durability and makes them more comfortable to hold. The bags are also made of water-resistant polypropylene and have a zip-top to keep your belongings protected in drizzly conditions. While both bags have a lot of the same design features, the Hulken feels more elevated and sturdy, so it's the better option for carrying groceries and heavy hauls. For only $12, I think the Brightroom bag is decently built. Although it's crinkled and has some scuffs from bumping against the curb, there are no holes or tears on the body of the bag and other than the broken wheel, everything is fully intact. Still, the reinforced handles, thicker sides and overall superior build of the Hulken make it feel flimsy and thin by comparison. Though neither bag is perfect, the one thing I would add to both bags is a pocket. While I don't mind keeping essentials like my phone, keys and wallet close to me in a fanny pack, I think a slim pocket on the bags would be nice for holding receipts, smaller items or any other items you might not want to toss in the main compartment. Both the Hulken and the Brightroom bags have collapsible designs that make them easy to store, but Hulken's design makes the process more straightforward. The Hulken collapses down in seconds and has thoughtful touches, such as the attached elastic straps, to ensure the bag stays fully folded when not in use. After you've folded the bag once (or watched a helpful video), it's easy to repeat the process. Not only does this lie-flat design make the bag easier to store in a closet, car trunk or even an under-bed area, it also makes it easier to carry around. Even with the bag folded, you can still utilize the handles. My usual move is to loop the straps of the folded bag over my shoulder while I commute via bus, train or foot to the grocery store and then pop it open when I get to my destination. When I'm navigating busy streets or trying to squeeze onto crowded public transit lines, having a slimmer bag makes it easier to get around. Plus, the medium-sized bag only weighs 3 pounds, so it's not a nuisance to have to carry either. Brightroom's bag is collapsible too, but it takes a little more effort to get completely flat. If you're in a rush, you can smush the bag down, but this method doesn't bode well for protecting the bag long-term. It takes a bit more time and practice to fold the bag down neatly, but the end result is still something that's slim and easy to store. Once you compress the bag down, it will stay, but unlike the Hulken, Brightroom's bag doesn't have elastic ties that help to keep it closed. This doesn't really matter if you're storing the bag with the wheels touching the ground, but it's a helpful feature if you want to store the bag vertically. It also means you won't be able to carry it folded tote-style like with the Hulken, since nothing is securing the body of the bag against gravity. Hulken's bags are not only built to be durable, they're also built to look stylish. The brand offers all of its bags in eight iridescent shades ranging from understated black and navy, to vivid pink, violet and silver options. On the other hand, Brightroom only offers its rolling tote in gray and aqua colors. The color of your tote might not be the most important factor, but it's nice to have options and feel that you're spending your money on something you like the look of. I hesitate to say any product is life-changing, but the Hulken bag really is one of the greatest things to roll into my life. I no longer have to limit my carrying load for fear that I'm going to collapse before I can make it home. The Hulken smoothly rolls over any surface, makes heavy hauls easier and, though it has a $100 minimum price point, it's worth the splurge. With proper use and care, I expect my Hulken bag to last several years, possibly even a decade. If you don't feel like spending triple digits, the Brightroom bag is a nice option for only $12, just don't plan to use it for extra-heavy loads. It's best suited for chores at home or hauling things short distances, like from room-to-room or from your car into your home. Though I was surprised by how the Brightroom bag held up, I'll still be reaching for my Hulken anytime I've got things to schlep. And if you know someone who could use help with their haul, it makes a great gift too. Though you'll be able to find other rolling tote alternatives on Amazon that emulate the Hulken bag's design, bear in mind that these tend to have fluctuating stock, fewer color and size options and lack the intentional structural features that make the Hulken bag a true original. How do you fold a Hulken bag? How do you fold a Hulken bag? First, unzip the lid on your Hulken bag and turn the bag so the front handle is on your right-hand side. Pinch the sides of the bag outwards and fold the bag away from you. The back side of the bag should be flush with the bottom. Make sure the handles are out of the way and fold the left and right sides of the bag toward the center. Secure the sides down by looping the small attached elastic bands around the black button in the center of the bag. You can also secure the side handles down by tucking them behind the horizontal black straps on both sides of the bag. If you need a visual, Hulken includes a helpful video for this on the product page for its bags. Are Hulken bags worth it? Are Hulken bags worth it? While $100 or more is a steep price to pay for a tote bag, I think the Hulken bags are worth the investment. They're great for city-dwellers who need a compact bag they can tote for blocks, but will work well for anyone who needs to lug supplies, equipment, groceries, laundry or kids toys to-and-fro. My Hulken bag stands up to any task I throw its way and the durable build shows no signs of slowing down. It also doesn't hurt that the bag looks stylish too. The Hulken bag is the bag that keeps on giving; you'll find new uses for it regularly, which is also why it makes a great gift option for any schleppers in your life. Do Hulken bags go on sale? Do Hulken bags go on sale? We don't see sales on Hulken bags very often, though in the past the brand has offered discounts during shopping holidays like Black Friday and Cyber Monday. CNN Underscored has a team of writers and editors who have many years of experience testing, researching and recommending products, and they ensure each article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted. We talk to top experts when relevant to make certain we are testing each product accurately, recommending only the best products and considering the pros and cons of each item. For this story, associate editor Jillian Tracy tested the Hulken Original Rolling Tote Bag and the Brightroom Storage Bag With Wheels in her daily routine — hauling groceries, laundry, products and more — for several weeks to see how they stacked up.
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Yahoo
Lululemon just dropped a rare summer sale — 12 best deals, all under $150
Lululemon has hundreds of items up for grabs in their rare summer sale, from bestselling leggings and shorts to sports bras, jackets and more. Whether you're refreshing your workout wardrobe or simply can't get enough of their signature athleisure wear, now's a great time to snag a few pieces at rarely-seen prices. Sizes do tend to sell out quickly, so if something catches your eye, it's worth acting fast. With that in mind, read on for 12 of our favourite Lululemon sale finds available right now. Shop by category: Lululemon Summer Sale: Women's apparel Lululemon Summer Sale Men's apparel Lululemon Summer Sale: Accessories Lululemon Summer Sale: Bags Lululemon Summer Sale: Shoes $29 $44 at Lululemon Everyone's favourite belt bag is on sale in multiple colours, in case you'd like to add another one to your rotation. Made from water-repellent fabric, it's a classic go-to for all of your day-to-day essentials. $49 $128 at Lululemon These mid-support leggings are super breathable, sweat-wicking and fast-drying, designed to keep you comfortable while you train. Shoppers describe the material as "buttery soft" and say "they don't slide," either. $49 $64 at Lululemon Meant for yoga and training, this sports bra will keep you supported during your medium-impact workouts. It's on the longer side for more coverage and comes with optional, padded cups you can remove. $79 $138 at Lululemon Here's a pair of casual, sweat-wicking trousers that can be dressed up or down. One reviewer calls them "the perfect pant," noting that the sizes are true. $39 $68 at Lululemon If you're in the market for new workout shorts, this lightweight pair is designed for both running and training. Like most of Lululemon's activewear, they're sweat-wicking and quick-drying to help keep you comfortable throughout your entire workout. $69 $108 at Lululemon Believe it or not, the cult-favourite Align Pants are on sale! With their ultra-soft, second-skin feel, you might never want to take them off. And don't fear the lighter colours — they're lined with a second layer for extra coverage. $39 $68 at Lululemon Whether you're running errands or lounging at home, these lightweight shorts will keep you cool and comfy all summer long. With a cinchable drawcord at the waist, you can adjust them for the perfect fit. $34 $48 at Lululemon If you're in need of a new water bottle, give this one a go. Reviewers say it "doesn't leak" and "keeps water cold" — I mean, what more could you ask for? $144 $188 at Lululemon While this jacket might not be summer attire, per se, you'll probably appreciate it by the time fall rolls around. It's water-resistant and windproof and has a cinchable hem. $34 $72 at Lululemon This buttery-soft tank top is a fab pick for Yoga classes or casual wear. Shoppers rave about how comfortable it is, noting that it's both "supportive" and "breathable." $109 $158 at Lululemon Swap out your old briefs for these super soft boxers. The pouch was designed with ergonomics in mind, to keep you supported and comfortable whether you're exercising or enjoying a night out. $49 $64 at Lululemon If you can't get enough of Lululemon's Align collection, add these high-rise shorts to your rotation. With the same soft feel as the Align tops and leggings, these lightweight shorts are sure to be your next go-to pair.
Fox News
5 hours ago
- Fox News
HGTV star Heather Rae El Moussa gets bikini-ready with this one thing at every meal
Heather Rae El Moussa is stepping into the summer with confidence. The "Selling Sunset" star and HGTV personality gave fans a glimpse into her wellness routine as she proudly showed off her bikini body. In an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital, the 37-year-old opened up about the transformation of her mindset and body after welcoming her son, Tristan, with husband Tarek El Moussa. "Well, I'm vegan. I've been vegan since I was in my 20s. So I eat very clean," El Moussa shared. "I think that's a big part of it." The new mom revealed that it had taken time to find her rhythm again after giving birth. "After Tristan, it took me a little bit to get back into my workout routine, having a newborn and figuring out the balance of that," she explained. "I would walk a lot. And then I met my trainer, Paulina, and she started coming to my house. We would do workout routines at home. We added in weights." For the reality star, weight training was a game-changer. "I was never a weights girl," she admitted. "I was always like Pilates or running and cardio… I restricted carbs… I was really strict with what I ate. And after I started lifting weights and after I had Tristan, I really just needed — I wanted — to nourish my body… I just needed calories. I wanted healthy calories… I wanted to feel strong and empowered." In a social media video, El Moussa showed off her transformation and some of her routine. "I have 3 meals and 2 snacks, all with some sort of protein," she shared in the caption. "Smoothies are my [go-to], or I love rice cakes with avocado and hemp hearts! I eat a [balanced] diet with healthy carbs." "I have 3 meals and 2 snacks, all with some sort of protein." She also noted that her workout involves "doing a combo of strength, pilates, and pelvic floor 3x per week. I do full routine once per week for cardio, I walk daily (sometimes twice) plus I'm also chasing a toddler around!" "The Flip Off" star gave birth to her son Tristan in early 2023. She explained how it's been a process — and a lot of hard work — to feel like herself again. "He's almost two and a half… I'm proud of my body and what I've built," she said. "Not every day do I have abs. Some days I'm so bloated. Some days, mentally, physically, I'm just not feeling good … I've worked really hard to have this body. And I really prioritize health now." However, fitness and health aren't the only things she's focused on this summer. El Moussa recently made a "splash" with her beauty brand, Heather Rae Essentials, in a collaboration that brought some major summer heat. The real estate expert sizzled poolside and showed off her fit figure in several bikinis with her fellow reality star, and her husband Tarek's ex-wife, Christina Haack. El Moussa told Fox News Digital about her decision to collaborate with Haack, 42, and her vision behind the summer bikini photoshoot. WATCH: HGTV STAR HEATHER RAE EL MOUSSA REVEALS SECRET BEHIND HER SUMMER BIKINI BODY "I'm all about making a big splash with whatever I do," she said with a smile. "This is my beauty brand — I've put a lot of effort into it — I knew that doing a collaboration with her would just break the internet." The two blonde bombshells heated things up in their cheeky bikinis to promote El Moussa's new shade of her "Perfect Pink Lip Gloss." "It's the ultimate pop of pink summer color," she described. "I call it the 'hot girl summer.' For me, it just exudes summer and that's why I wanted it to be very pink and girly … champagne and poolside — I want girls to wear it … feel confident and empowered." "Pop it on," she added, "and you just feel beautiful." When El Moussa and Haack posed together for a poolside photoshoot, the internet couldn't get enough. "We film 'The Flip Off' together, we're raising kids together … we're here to support each other," El Moussa told Fox News Digital. "We had a really good time … doing the photoshoot together." WATCH: HGTV STAR MAKES A 'SPLASH' WITH UNEXPECTED COLLABORATION FOR BEAUTY BRAND El Moussa's husband Tarek, 43, was previously married to Haack for seven years before their divorce was finalized in 2018. They co-parent two children – daughter Taylor and son Brayden – and star together in HGTV's "The Flip Off." Tarek and Heather tied the knot in 2021.
