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 fresh cut produce immediately once you get home. Keep your packaged salads at 34°F-36°F.

Fresh cut produce should last in your refrigerator (unopened) through the use-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 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 freshness of your salad and accelerate deterioration.

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

Once opened, try to use fresh cut produce as soon as possible for the best quality and enjoyment.