Lloyd Craft Farms Fresh Produce, Locally Grown

Looking for some FEEDBACK on GREENS–how important are greens to you, and what is your choice?

HISTORY:  This week we had to return the Herb Salad Mix–already starting to go slimy!  Each week we have had one of two that we pulled and couldn’t sell.  When we ordered the Caesar Salad Mix there were 6 of 30 that were ‘rusty’ and a day away from slime–  Even the Spinach has not been as dependable, though better than the tender gourmet blends.  I put a call into Spokane Produce today. This is what they told me:

It’s the weather in California, rain and cold…I went on the internet to find out what exactly is ‘cold’ for California–less than 45 degrees at night, but more than anything this year it appears California may be breaking its multiple year drought–their rainfall is higher than it has been since 1895.  Rain, rain-soaked fields, rain-soaked greens, and cold, all add up to excess moisture in the packaging…more spoilage and shorter shelf life.  Keith at Spokane Produce said the growers wash and prepare greens in a portable shelter in the field.  

With this bit of knowledge, we are considering changing from the tender-leaved gourmet mixes and blends to kale and spinach and more mature greens that will hold up better.  Here are the choices–GIVE ME SOME FEEDBACK…need to know what to consider ordering!

Choice A Group:  Taylor Farms Power Blend–spinach, mizuna, chard, and kale…actually higher in nutrients with more Vitamin K, C, & A.  (Also in this category are Arugula, Baby Kale, Fresh Express Sweet Lettuce which is more mature Romaine hearts, and Taylor Farms Kale Medley.)

Choice B Group:  Fresh Express Organic Classic Caesar Salad Mix–chopped Romaine, dressing, croutons, and Parmesan Cheese packets.  My family loves them!  We’ve had better luck with them keeping in the fridge, and not breaking down as fast.  When they come in they are either good or bad–easier to spot and return to the company.  That is one salad per meal at $3.50. 

Choice C Group:  Taylor Farms Asian Salad Mix–Savoy and green cabbage, carrots, celery, and green onion…slivered almonds, crisp wontons, sweet sesame ginger dressing.  Cost is a little higher at $4.75, but this will serve more than one meal or a larger family.  Will keep in the fridge already mixed up.  

Choice D Group:  Head Lettuce (2 heads a week)–cost is less than the clamshells and would require some prep time.  I know how busy most of our life-styles are–little time to clean, spin, and prep the heads for the week.  However, 20-30 minutes once a week, and a good salad spinner with ziplock bags gives you the best economy and a better chance of keeping the lettuce longer…maybe…

Let me know!  The Farmer’s Wife