I've been in the south of France for the last few days where we're lucky to have a fantastic fruit and veg shop down the road. The most impressive bit is the salad section which generally has 5 or 6 different kinds of lettuces - all local and really fresh.
This particular one cost 70 cents - 62p at the current rate of exchange - and is easily enough for a green salad for six. At home it would cost twice that to buy a bag of mixed leaves for two.
It's really easy to get into the bagged leaves habit but how long does it take to wash and dry a lettuce? Three minutes, if that? If the French can spare the time why can't we?
Bagged lettuce is also really popular. There's a whole aisle devoted to it in Carrouf where I shop and you can get even more variety in the bags.
ReplyDeleteUn-bagged lettuce is bulky and takes up a lot of space in the fridge which is why I usually buy bags.
Imo bagged lettuce is a terrible waste of money. I think it goes off more quickly than loose lettuce, and I think it's washed in some sort of chemical solution?
ReplyDeleteAlso, I think loose lettuce that you can buy in your green grocer (apart from being cheap) often wins in terms of flavour, and is more likely to be local.
My OH would be gobsmacked if I bought home bagged lettuce!
That's true, Sarah - they do have them in supermarkets but I'm with Greedy Girl on this one. Once you've opened them they go off incredibly quickly and I don't think they have nearly as much flavour as a whole lettuce.
ReplyDeleteWe ate fresh lettuce everyday in Brittany, as you say a quick wash, spin and so superior to the bag stuff you get here. Jude
ReplyDeleteAs the old French saying goes (according to my husband) 'jamais un repas sans salade'!
ReplyDeleteIt is amazing how much a small bag of lettuce/salad leaves cost. And yet, lettuce is very easy to grow.
ReplyDeleteWell worth the attempt as they can bulk out any meal. Truly a frugal food.