There has been a trend away from open racks of vegetables in the Giant
and other US supermarkets. Doubtless, it is convenient for the stores
and may reduce spoilage and increase profits. However, as a senior whose
appetite has diminished and who, to his regret now lives alone, it has
become apparent to me that sealed packaging constitutes a hidden price
increase. The packages, especially bean sprouts and snow peas that do
not freeze well, generally contain enough for a meal for a family of
four and thus, for me, the excess is often wasted since I am disinclined
to eat the same thing on successive days.

--
Jim Silverton (Potomac, MD)

Extraneous "not" in Reply To.

"James Silverton" > wrote in message
...
> There has been a trend away from open racks of vegetables in the Giant and
> other US supermarkets. Doubtless, it is convenient for the stores and may
> reduce spoilage and increase profits. However, as a senior whose appetite
> has diminished and who, to his regret now lives alone, it has become
> apparent to me that sealed packaging constitutes a hidden price increase.
> The packages, especially bean sprouts and snow peas that do not freeze
> well, generally contain enough for a meal for a family of four and thus,
> for me, the excess is often wasted since I am disinclined to eat the same
> thing on successive days.

The Publix markets prominently display signage stating that
they will break down any packaged product. Have you enquired?

pavane

On 1/31/2013 5:09 PM, pavane wrote:
>
>
> "James Silverton" > wrote in message
> ...
>> There has been a trend away from open racks of vegetables in the
>> Giant and other US supermarkets. Doubtless, it is convenient for the
>> stores and may reduce spoilage and increase profits. However, as a
>> senior whose appetite has diminished and who, to his regret now lives
>> alone, it has become apparent to me that sealed packaging constitutes
>> a hidden price increase. The packages, especially bean sprouts and
>> snow peas that do not freeze well, generally contain enough for a
>> meal for a family of four and thus, for me, the excess is often
>> wasted since I am disinclined to eat the same thing on successive days.
>
> The Publix markets prominently display signage stating that
> they will break down any packaged product. Have you enquired?
>
> pavane
Don't have a Publix that I know of but I'll certainly bring it to the
attention of Giant. Thanks!

--
Jim Silverton (Potomac, MD)

Extraneous "not" in Reply To.

On Jan 31, 2:50*pm, The Other Guy > wrote:
> On Thu, 31 Jan 2013 16:45:56 -0500, James Silverton
>
> > wrote:
> >There has been a trend away from open racks of vegetables in the Giant
> >and other US supermarkets.
>
> Not where I live.
>
> To reply by email, lose the Ks...

not here in Oregon other than Trader Joe's and Target.

On Thu, 31 Jan 2013 14:55:20 -0800 (PST), Chemo
> wrote:

> On Jan 31, 2:50*pm, The Other Guy > wrote:
> > On Thu, 31 Jan 2013 16:45:56 -0500, James Silverton
> >
> > > wrote:
> > >There has been a trend away from open racks of vegetables in the Giant
> > >and other US supermarkets.
> >
> > Not where I live.
> >
> > To reply by email, lose the Ks...
>
> not here in Oregon other than Trader Joe's and Target.


--
Food is an important part of a balanced diet.

On Thu, 31 Jan 2013 14:55:20 -0800 (PST), Chemo
> wrote:

> On Jan 31, 2:50*pm, The Other Guy > wrote:
> > On Thu, 31 Jan 2013 16:45:56 -0500, James Silverton
> >
> > > wrote:
> > >There has been a trend away from open racks of vegetables in the Giant
> > >and other US supermarkets.
> >
> > Not where I live.
> >
> > To reply by email, lose the Ks...
>
> not here in Oregon other than Trader Joe's and Target.

There are a few other places, but apparently not to the same extent as
elsewhere. We're very lucky out here on the West Coast.

--
Food is an important part of a balanced diet.

On Thursday, January 31, 2013 5:09:54 PM UTC-5, pavane wrote:
>
> The Publix markets prominently display signage stating that
>
> they will break down any packaged product.

Aahh, they're pains in the ass about that. Ya gotta find someone, wait, feel guilty that the packing was wasted etc etc. I wrote to them about that long ago and got the party line about sanitation etc. Sh-t, that didn't cut any ice with me. I STILL am going to wash produce, packaged or not. I will never be convinced that this wasn't just their way of selling you more than you wanted. Off my soapbox now.

On Thu, 31 Jan 2013 16:03:07 -0800 (PST), Kalmia
> wrote:

> I will never be convinced that this wasn't just their way of selling you more than you wanted.

That's my opinion too.

--
Food is an important part of a balanced diet.

"James Silverton" > wrote in message
...
> There has been a trend away from open racks of vegetables in the Giant and
> other US supermarkets. Doubtless, it is convenient for the stores and may
> reduce spoilage and increase profits. However, as a senior whose appetite
> has diminished and who, to his regret now lives alone, it has become
> apparent to me that sealed packaging constitutes a hidden price increase.
> The packages, especially bean sprouts and snow peas that do not freeze
> well, generally contain enough for a meal for a family of four and thus,
> for me, the excess is often wasted since I am disinclined to eat the same
> thing on successive days.
>
> --
> Jim Silverton (Potomac, MD)
>
> Extraneous "not" in Reply To.

What do you mean by "open racks" of vegetables? I don't know that any store
I've ever been to has sold vegetables on racks, except perhaps for the one
Long's drugs that used to be in Alameda. They had a few loose veggies and
fruits for sale. And one little mom and pop store on Staten Island that did
have a rack of onions, carrots and apples just inside the door.

If I buy produce at Target, they have a limited selection. I can usually
find what I need but not everything is sold per piece. I can get a single
sweet potato, onion or tomato. But the zucchini comes packed with yellow
summer squash. And the mushrooms are sold in a package that is larger than
I usually need. Other things are packaged and may or may not contain the
right amount. But... I don't usually worry about such stuff because their
prices are sooo cheap!

I will not buy produce any more from Trader Joes. Most of it is shrink
wrapped there and I have bought far too much spoiled stuff there. I have
learned the hard way if you shrink wrap peppers tightly enough, they'll
appear to be fresh! Unless of course they are decayed to the point of being
wrinkled. Lots of little mom and pop places on Staten Island sold peppers
and other things this way. Always spoiled there too. And although some
people will willingly use such produce if they are going to cook it, I
prefer not to.

Here, most of the stores will sell me a single rib of celery if I want it.
Many sell loose mushrooms. Some even sell loose greens or a mix of stuff
for stir fry. If I do need just little dabs of things, say for a soup or
meatloaf, I will buy them from one of the few stores that has a salad bar.
Yes, they are costly this way. Otherwise I will plan to use a big package
of whatever it is and maybe make two or three other dishes, even if I have
to put them in the freezer. Or in some cases I just won't worry about it
and toss the extra.

If you like sprouts, you should try growing your own. Yes, it is time
consuming and you do have to be careful because it is far too easy to get
far more than you intended to grow. I no longer do sprouts but when I did,
I got my supplies from Sprout People online. But most health food stores
sell sprouting things and you do not need the fancy sprouters that I had. I
only got these because I made three types of sprouts at a time and made a
lot of them! You can get cheap little toppers for canning or other jars and
then all you need is a bowl which I'm sure you already have. The seeds for
sprouting are cheap and will last a year or more. As for the snow peas,
I've never found them not to freeze well. Not that I've ever actually
frozen them because we love them in this house and they always get eaten.
But I have bought frozen veggies with them in there and they are fine.

That being said... When I lived alone, there were a lot of things that I
couldn't eat that I might have wanted to. Like a really good salad! And by
that I mean a salad that had all sorts of greens and vegetables in it. It
is somewhat easier these days to do that because we can now get mixed salad
greens. But I couldn't always use up a whole onion or three kinds of bell
peppers before they went bad. Now I have a chest freezer so not a problem.
And I am saving my extra veggies for stock as was suggested here.

If I wanted soup, it was a tad difficult to make enough for one or two
servings of the kind of soup I wanted to eat. Which was a vegetable soup
with a variety of vegetables in it. So that would mean eating the same
thing day after day or freezing the leftovers. And I don't really like to
eat stuff that has been frozen like that. Mainly because I forget to take
it out to thaw. I find some things are better to freeze like individual
meatloaves or croquettes. But I am not fond of freezing soup.

On 31/01/2013 4:45 PM, James Silverton wrote:
> There has been a trend away from open racks of vegetables in the Giant
> and other US supermarkets. Doubtless, it is convenient for the stores
> and may reduce spoilage and increase profits. However, as a senior whose
> appetite has diminished and who, to his regret now lives alone, it has
> become apparent to me that sealed packaging constitutes a hidden price
> increase. The packages, especially bean sprouts and snow peas that do
> not freeze well, generally contain enough for a meal for a family of
> four and thus, for me, the excess is often wasted since I am disinclined
> to eat the same thing on successive days.
>

Use your consumer power.... refuse to buy them like that. Take your
business to a place that sells them in bulk.

Over the last six months or so the local grocery stores have started
selling bagged grapes. I don't like to buy that many grapes at a time. I
have no problem opening up a bag and breaking off a bunch and taking
only what I want. I also buy bananas two or three at a time. I have no
problems snapping a few off a larger bunch.

On Thu, 31 Jan 2013 18:28:20 -0800, "Julie Bove"
> wrote:



>
>What do you mean by "open racks" of vegetables? I don't know that any store
>I've ever been to has sold vegetables on racks,


Really?

http://www.produce-retail-marketing.com/
<http://www.google.com/search?q=produce+display&hl=en&tbo=u&tbm=isch&sour ce=univ&sa=X&ei=djULUdDFMO-w0AH-sIHgCw&sqi=2&ved=0CEgQsAQ&biw=1161&bih=821>

Dave Smith wrote:
> On 31/01/2013 4:45 PM, James Silverton wrote:
>> There has been a trend away from open racks of vegetables in the
>> Giant and other US supermarkets. Doubtless, it is convenient for the
>> stores and may reduce spoilage and increase profits. However, as a
>> senior whose appetite has diminished and who, to his regret now
>> lives alone, it has become apparent to me that sealed packaging
>> constitutes a hidden price increase. The packages, especially bean
>> sprouts and snow peas that do not freeze well, generally contain
>> enough for a meal for a family of four and thus, for me, the excess
>> is often wasted since I am disinclined to eat the same thing on
>> successive days.
>
> Use your consumer power.... refuse to buy them like that. Take your
> business to a place that sells them in bulk.
>
> Over the last six months or so the local grocery stores have started
> selling bagged grapes. I don't like to buy that many grapes at a
> time. I have no problem opening up a bag and breaking off a bunch and
> taking only what I want. I also buy bananas two or three at a time.
> I have no problems snapping a few off a larger bunch.

Oh yes the fruit bugs me! You can no longer buy any loose grapes, cherries
or berries. Actually I think most berries have alway some packaged but when
I was a kid you could get grapes, cherries and strawberries loose. If you
wanted six of them for a snack, you could buy them. But no more. The
cherries and grapes are sold in such large quantities that we could never
eat them all. Unless perhaps my husband was home and in the mood for them.

"Ed Pawlowski" > wrote in message
...
> On Thu, 31 Jan 2013 18:28:20 -0800, "Julie Bove"
> > wrote:
>
>
>
>>
>>What do you mean by "open racks" of vegetables? I don't know that any
>>store
>>I've ever been to has sold vegetables on racks,
>
>
> Really?
>
> http://www.produce-retail-marketing.com/
> <http://www.google.com/search?q=produce+display&hl=en&tbo=u&tbm=isch&sour ce=univ&sa=X&ei=djULUdDFMO-w0AH-sIHgCw&sqi=2&ved=0CEgQsAQ&biw=1161&bih=821>

Those are for sure not what I would call a rack. I did work in retail you
know. Those would be refrigerated cases or produce cases or free standing
displays. A rack is generally made of metal and free standing. Usually for
clothing such as a garment rack. Or even bedding plants.

As you can see here, the only things they are calling "racks" are garment
racks and greeting card racks. Both made of metal, both free standing.

http://www.storesupply.com/c-452-fix...-shelving.aspx

As you can see here, the things that usually hold produce are called
"cases".

http://www.producecases.com/

Apparently the unrefrigerated ones are called bins or rail tables, depending
on how they are made.

That being said, I have actually seen what I would call a rack with produce
but AFAIK not many in a grocery store. I have seen racks of bananas though.
Some stores put them by the checkouts or cereal.

"Sqwertz" > wrote in message
...
> On Thu, 31 Jan 2013 22:28:35 -0500, Ed Pawlowski wrote:
>
>> On Thu, 31 Jan 2013 18:28:20 -0800, "Julie Bove"
>> > wrote:
>>
>>>
>>>What do you mean by "open racks" of vegetables? I don't know that any
>>>store
>>>I've ever been to has sold vegetables on racks,
>>
>> Really?
>
> That's where I stopped reading her post, too. I scrolled down and saw
> a 700-word essay on gawd knows what and I didn't even bother reading
> the rest of it.

If he is talking about a produce display, chances are it is not a rack.

On Thursday, January 31, 2013 3:45:56 PM UTC-6, James Silverton wrote:
> There has been a trend away from open racks of vegetables in the Giant
> and other US supermarkets. Doubtless, it is convenient for the stores
> and may reduce spoilage and increase profits. However, as a senior whose
> appetite has diminished and who, to his regret now lives alone, it has
> become apparent to me that sealed packaging constitutes a hidden price
> increase. The packages, especially bean sprouts and snow peas that do
> not freeze well, generally contain enough for a meal for a family of
> four and thus, for me, the excess is often wasted since I am disinclined
> to eat the same thing on successive days.

Some of the towns and cities where I've lived have farmer's markets, where a number of farmers come to sell their produce to the public. (I didn't look very hard in the others.) Usually not already packaged. You might check if your area has any. Often near the main roads so more people will see them.

Robert Miles wrote:
> On Thursday, January 31, 2013 3:45:56 PM UTC-6, James Silverton wrote:
>> There has been a trend away from open racks of vegetables in the
>> Giant and other US supermarkets. Doubtless, it is convenient for the
>> stores and may reduce spoilage and increase profits. However, as a
>> senior whose appetite has diminished and who, to his regret now
>> lives alone, it has become apparent to me that sealed packaging
>> constitutes a hidden price increase. The packages, especially bean
>> sprouts and snow peas that do not freeze well, generally contain
>> enough for a meal for a family of four and thus, for me, the excess
>> is often wasted since I am disinclined to eat the same thing on
>> successive days.
>
> Some of the towns and cities where I've lived have farmer's markets,
> where a number of farmers come to sell their produce to the public.
> (I didn't look very hard in the others.) Usually not already
> packaged. You might check if your area has any. Often near the main
> roads so more people will see them.

We have those here but not during the winter. Those were much more common
year round in CA.

On Thu, 31 Jan 2013 23:22:49 -0800, "Julie Bove"
> wrote:



>>
>> Really?
>>
>> http://www.produce-retail-marketing.com/
>> <http://www.google.com/search?q=produce+display&hl=en&tbo=u&tbm=isch&sour ce=univ&sa=X&ei=djULUdDFMO-w0AH-sIHgCw&sqi=2&ved=0CEgQsAQ&biw=1161&bih=821>
>
>Those are for sure not what I would call a rack. I did work in retail you
>know. Those would be refrigerated cases or produce cases or free standing
>displays. A rack is generally made of metal and free standing. Usually for
>clothing such as a garment rack. Or even bedding plants.


>
>As you can see here, the things that usually hold produce are called
>"cases".
>
>http://www.producecases.com/


Even though you are a professional in retail, you have to tolerate the
great unwashed that would use in improper term sometimes. The rest of
us knew what the OP was talking about in a generic sort of way.

Rack, case, carrier, holder, self, it is about loose versus packed
produce.

"Ed Pawlowski" > wrote in message
news
> On Thu, 31 Jan 2013 23:22:49 -0800, "Julie Bove"
> > wrote:
>
>
>
>>>
>>> Really?
>>>
>>> http://www.produce-retail-marketing.com/
>>> <http://www.google.com/search?q=produce+display&hl=en&tbo=u&tbm=isch&sour ce=univ&sa=X&ei=djULUdDFMO-w0AH-sIHgCw&sqi=2&ved=0CEgQsAQ&biw=1161&bih=821>
>>
>>Those are for sure not what I would call a rack. I did work in retail you
>>know. Those would be refrigerated cases or produce cases or free standing
>>displays. A rack is generally made of metal and free standing. Usually
>>for
>>clothing such as a garment rack. Or even bedding plants.
>
>
>>
>>As you can see here, the things that usually hold produce are called
>>"cases".
>>
>>http://www.producecases.com/
>
>
> Even though you are a professional in retail, you have to tolerate the
> great unwashed that would use in improper term sometimes. The rest of
> us knew what the OP was talking about in a generic sort of way.
>
> Rack, case, carrier, holder, self, it is about loose versus packed
> produce.

I don't know. Even before I worked in retail I wouldn't have called a
produce display a rack.

On 1/31/2013 4:45 PM, James Silverton wrote:
> There has been a trend away from open racks of vegetables in the Giant
> and other US supermarkets. Doubtless, it is convenient for the stores
> and may reduce spoilage and increase profits. However, as a senior whose
> appetite has diminished and who, to his regret now lives alone, it has
> become apparent to me that sealed packaging constitutes a hidden price
> increase. The packages, especially bean sprouts and snow peas that do
> not freeze well, generally contain enough for a meal for a family of
> four and thus, for me, the excess is often wasted since I am disinclined
> to eat the same thing on successive days.
>
I'm not sure it's age discrimination. It definitely *is* about profits.
For example, I don't usually need (or want) a package of four bell
peppers. Fortunately where I shop they haven't replaced all the loose
bins of produce with the bundles.

Have you mentioned this to the manager? As someone else suggested, they
may break those packages down so you can buy the quantity you want. I'm
not sure they'd charge much less for doing so.

Jill <--ever the skeptic

On 2/1/2013 10:26 AM, jmcquown wrote:
> On 1/31/2013 4:45 PM, James Silverton wrote:
>> There has been a trend away from open racks of vegetables in the Giant
>> and other US supermarkets. Doubtless, it is convenient for the stores
>> and may reduce spoilage and increase profits. However, as a senior whose
>> appetite has diminished and who, to his regret now lives alone, it has
>> become apparent to me that sealed packaging constitutes a hidden price
>> increase. The packages, especially bean sprouts and snow peas that do
>> not freeze well, generally contain enough for a meal for a family of
>> four and thus, for me, the excess is often wasted since I am disinclined
>> to eat the same thing on successive days.
>>
> I'm not sure it's age discrimination. It definitely *is* about
> profits. For example, I don't usually need (or want) a package of
> four bell peppers. Fortunately where I shop they haven't replaced all
> the loose bins of produce with the bundles.
>
> Have you mentioned this to the manager? As someone else suggested,
> they may break those packages down so you can buy the quantity you
> want. I'm not sure they'd charge much less for doing so.

I have not tried talking to the manager yet but, even if not intended,
packaging vegetables is effectively age discrimination for me :-(

--
Jim Silverton (Potomac, MD)

Extraneous "not" in Reply To.

In article >,
says...
>
> On 1/31/2013 4:45 PM, James Silverton wrote:
> > There has been a trend away from open racks of vegetables in the Giant
> > and other US supermarkets. Doubtless, it is convenient for the stores
> > and may reduce spoilage and increase profits. However, as a senior whose
> > appetite has diminished and who, to his regret now lives alone, it has
> > become apparent to me that sealed packaging constitutes a hidden price
> > increase. The packages, especially bean sprouts and snow peas that do
> > not freeze well, generally contain enough for a meal for a family of
> > four and thus, for me, the excess is often wasted since I am disinclined
> > to eat the same thing on successive days.
> >
> I'm not sure it's age discrimination. It definitely *is* about
profits.

UK labelling legislation requires smkts to provide all fresh produce
with a price-per-weight label, on the package if it's wrapped and on the
shelf if it's loose. So customers can easily compare, the difference in
price for the same product loose or packaged. Packaged, is almost always
substantially more expensive than loose.

Despite which, I often see customers who appear to be from lower
income brackets, picking up a package of carrots instead of filling a
same size free bag (provided) with loose carrots.

Janet UK

On 2/1/2013 10:39 AM, James Silverton wrote:
> On 2/1/2013 10:26 AM, jmcquown wrote:
>> On 1/31/2013 4:45 PM, James Silverton wrote:
>>> There has been a trend away from open racks of vegetables in the Giant
>>> and other US supermarkets. Doubtless, it is convenient for the stores
>>> and may reduce spoilage and increase profits. However, as a senior whose
>>> appetite has diminished and who, to his regret now lives alone, it has
>>> become apparent to me that sealed packaging constitutes a hidden price
>>> increase. The packages, especially bean sprouts and snow peas that do
>>> not freeze well, generally contain enough for a meal for a family of
>>> four and thus, for me, the excess is often wasted since I am disinclined
>>> to eat the same thing on successive days.
>>>
>> I'm not sure it's age discrimination. It definitely *is* about
>> profits. For example, I don't usually need (or want) a package of
>> four bell peppers. Fortunately where I shop they haven't replaced all
>> the loose bins of produce with the bundles.
>>
>> Have you mentioned this to the manager? As someone else suggested,
>> they may break those packages down so you can buy the quantity you
>> want. I'm not sure they'd charge much less for doing so.
>
> I have not tried talking to the manager yet but, even if not intended,
> packaging vegetables is effectively age discrimination for me :-(
>
I don't know about bean sprouts but snow peas do freeze well. IIRC you
should blanch them first and plunge them in a coldwater bath.

You might peruse the frozen vegetable aisle to see what else you might
be able to freeze if pre-packaged is the only way you can buy the
vegetables you like.

Jill

"Janet" > wrote in message
T...
> In article >,
> says...
>>
>> On 1/31/2013 4:45 PM, James Silverton wrote:
>> > There has been a trend away from open racks of vegetables in the Giant
>> > and other US supermarkets. Doubtless, it is convenient for the stores
>> > and may reduce spoilage and increase profits. However, as a senior
>> > whose
>> > appetite has diminished and who, to his regret now lives alone, it has
>> > become apparent to me that sealed packaging constitutes a hidden price
>> > increase. The packages, especially bean sprouts and snow peas that do
>> > not freeze well, generally contain enough for a meal for a family of
>> > four and thus, for me, the excess is often wasted since I am
>> > disinclined
>> > to eat the same thing on successive days.
>> >
>> I'm not sure it's age discrimination. It definitely *is* about
> profits.
>
> UK labelling legislation requires smkts to provide all fresh produce
> with a price-per-weight label, on the package if it's wrapped and on the
> shelf if it's loose. So customers can easily compare, the difference in
> price for the same product loose or packaged. Packaged, is almost always
> substantially more expensive than loose.

That's not always the case here. Potatoes are often a lot cheaper by the
bag than loose. Some stores sell a bag of mixed apples and oranges and it
is a lot cheaper that way but you always seem to get one or two spoiled
pieces in the bag. The only advantage of loose here is that you can choose
exactly the pieces that you want.
>
> Despite which, I often see customers who appear to be from lower
> income brackets, picking up a package of carrots instead of filling a
> same size free bag (provided) with loose carrots.
>
> Janet UK

Usually if you see loose carrots here they are the large juicing ones.
Packages of regular carrots are always cheaper. Sometimes you can buy the
baby ones loose but they're more expensive too.

On 2/1/2013 11:18 AM, jmcquown wrote:
> On 2/1/2013 10:39 AM, James Silverton wrote:
>> On 2/1/2013 10:26 AM, jmcquown wrote:
>>> On 1/31/2013 4:45 PM, James Silverton wrote:
>>>> There has been a trend away from open racks of vegetables in the Giant
>>>> and other US supermarkets. Doubtless, it is convenient for the stores
>>>> and may reduce spoilage and increase profits. However, as a senior
>>>> whose
>>>> appetite has diminished and who, to his regret now lives alone, it has
>>>> become apparent to me that sealed packaging constitutes a hidden price
>>>> increase. The packages, especially bean sprouts and snow peas that do
>>>> not freeze well, generally contain enough for a meal for a family of
>>>> four and thus, for me, the excess is often wasted since I am
>>>> disinclined
>>>> to eat the same thing on successive days.
>>>>
>>> I'm not sure it's age discrimination. It definitely *is* about
>>> profits. For example, I don't usually need (or want) a package of
>>> four bell peppers. Fortunately where I shop they haven't replaced all
>>> the loose bins of produce with the bundles.
>>>
>>> Have you mentioned this to the manager? As someone else suggested,
>>> they may break those packages down so you can buy the quantity you
>>> want. I'm not sure they'd charge much less for doing so.
>>
>> I have not tried talking to the manager yet but, even if not intended,
>> packaging vegetables is effectively age discrimination for me :-(
>>
> I don't know about bean sprouts but snow peas do freeze well. IIRC you
> should blanch them first and plunge them in a coldwater bath.
>
> You might peruse the frozen vegetable aisle to see what else you might
> be able to freeze if pre-packaged is the only way you can buy the
> vegetables you like.
>
> Jill
>
Good idea but bean sprouts do not freeze well if it is the texture you
want. If you want bean sprouts for a stir fry or salad, it is best to
blanch them (throw them into boiling water and take them out again
immediately the water reboils). The blanched sprouts are soggy after
freezing.

My initial post was provoked by the recent closing of a little local
chain (Macgruder's) that did sell many things loose

--
Jim Silverton (Potomac, MD)

Extraneous "not" in Reply To.

On 2013-02-01, James Silverton > wrote:

> I have not tried talking to the manager yet but, even if not intended,
> packaging vegetables is effectively age discrimination for me :-(

I tend to agree. I certainly don't need or want a pkg of four bell
peppers. I'd simply cut the pkg open, note the price, and procede to
the checkout. If anyone gives you any static, call 'em on it. "I
consider forced multi-product purchasing age discrimination and I'll
file a complaint!" That'll get the mgr involved, tout de suite.

nb

On Feb 1, 11:01*am, Sqwertz > wrote:
>
> You are trying to narrowly define "rack". *Use your imagination and
> try not to be so anal (and winded. *Not a good combo - phew!)
>
> -sw

Well, I've never seen produce sold on a deer's rack. (Let's ignore
some other definitions.)

On Fri, 01 Feb 2013 11:18:22 -0500, jmcquown >
wrote:

> You might peruse the frozen vegetable aisle to see what else you might
> be able to freeze if pre-packaged is the only way you can buy the
> vegetables you like.

For that matter, frozen vegetables are quite fresh. Packers begin the
cooling process in the fields, so they retain quality and nutritional
value. IMO, it's a good alternative for a single person who wants a
variety of vegetables to choose from.

--
Food is an important part of a balanced diet.

On 2/1/2013 12:46 PM, sf wrote:
> On Fri, 01 Feb 2013 11:18:22 -0500, jmcquown >
> wrote:
>
>> You might peruse the frozen vegetable aisle to see what else you might
>> be able to freeze if pre-packaged is the only way you can buy the
>> vegetables you like.
>
> For that matter, frozen vegetables are quite fresh. Packers begin the
> cooling process in the fields, so they retain quality and nutritional
> value. IMO, it's a good alternative for a single person who wants a
> variety of vegetables to choose from.
>
That's my opinion, too. However, I don't think I've ever seen frozen
bean sprouts. They may be one of those things that doesn't freeze well.
I've seen frozen snow peas but can't say I've ever tried them.

Jill

On 2013-02-01, jmcquown > wrote:

> That's my opinion, too. However, I don't think I've ever seen frozen
> bean sprouts. They may be one of those things that doesn't freeze well.

They definitely will not freeze well. Many veggies with high water
content, ice crystals will cut/burst the cell walls, causing a
separtion of water and pulp. Tomatoes, peppers, etc, don't freeze
well unless flash frozen. I'm not sure why other high water celled
foods do freeze well. My fresh blackberries froze jes fine.

nb

"notbob" > wrote in message
...
> On 2013-02-01, jmcquown > wrote:
>
>> That's my opinion, too. However, I don't think I've ever seen frozen
>> bean sprouts. They may be one of those things that doesn't freeze well.
>
> They definitely will not freeze well. Many veggies with high water
> content, ice crystals will cut/burst the cell walls, causing a
> separtion of water and pulp. Tomatoes, peppers, etc, don't freeze
> well unless flash frozen. I'm not sure why other high water celled
> foods do freeze well. My fresh blackberries froze jes fine.

There are canned but you don't want to eat them!

On 1/31/2013 5:22 PM, James Silverton wrote:

> On 1/31/2013 5:09 PM, pavane wrote:
>>
>>
>> "James Silverton" > wrote in message
>> ...
>>> There has been a trend away from open racks of vegetables in the
>>> Giant and other US supermarkets. Doubtless, it is convenient for the
>>> stores and may reduce spoilage and increase profits. However, as a
>>> senior whose appetite has diminished and who, to his regret now lives
>>> alone, it has become apparent to me that sealed packaging constitutes
>>> a hidden price increase. The packages, especially bean sprouts and
>>> snow peas that do not freeze well, generally contain enough for a
>>> meal for a family of four and thus, for me, the excess is often
>>> wasted since I am disinclined to eat the same thing on successive days.
>>
>> The Publix markets prominently display signage stating that
>> they will break down any packaged product. Have you enquired?
>>
>> pavane

> Don't have a Publix that I know of but I'll certainly bring it to the
> attention of Giant. Thanks!
>
There was one time only that I've seen 1/2 heads of iceberg lettuce
wrapped for sale, and I wish I'd see it more. Sometimes I can go
through a whole head before it goes bad, but not often enough. I know
it's a small amount of money but I'd rather I could go without throwing
any away. So, I hear ya.

"Cheryl" > wrote in message
eb.com...
> On 1/31/2013 5:22 PM, James Silverton wrote:
>
>> On 1/31/2013 5:09 PM, pavane wrote:
>>>
>>>
>>> "James Silverton" > wrote in message
>>> ...
>>>> There has been a trend away from open racks of vegetables in the
>>>> Giant and other US supermarkets. Doubtless, it is convenient for the
>>>> stores and may reduce spoilage and increase profits. However, as a
>>>> senior whose appetite has diminished and who, to his regret now lives
>>>> alone, it has become apparent to me that sealed packaging constitutes
>>>> a hidden price increase. The packages, especially bean sprouts and
>>>> snow peas that do not freeze well, generally contain enough for a
>>>> meal for a family of four and thus, for me, the excess is often
>>>> wasted since I am disinclined to eat the same thing on successive days.
>>>
>>> The Publix markets prominently display signage stating that
>>> they will break down any packaged product. Have you enquired?
>>>
>>> pavane
>
>> Don't have a Publix that I know of but I'll certainly bring it to the
>> attention of Giant. Thanks!
>>
> There was one time only that I've seen 1/2 heads of iceberg lettuce
> wrapped for sale, and I wish I'd see it more. Sometimes I can go through
> a whole head before it goes bad, but not often enough. I know it's a
> small amount of money but I'd rather I could go without throwing any away.
> So, I hear ya.

Very rare that I can use a whole head. And if I buy the bag of shreds, it
often turns brown before I have used it and it's not even expired. Or if I
open it, it goes brown right away.

I tried growing my own lettuce but it just grows hog wild. Seemed every
year that I grew it, so did everyone else I knew and they were trying to
give me more!

I do miss the salad bars. I do know of three in various stores and one not
so good one. The good ones are quite expensive so don't bother to use them
unless I just want a little bit like for a meatloaf or a small pot of soup.
Or if I'm really feeling flush.

On Feb 1, 2:33*pm, "Julie Bove" > wrote:
> "Cheryl" > wrote in message
>
> eb.com...
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> > On 1/31/2013 5:22 PM, James Silverton wrote:
>
> >> On 1/31/2013 5:09 PM, pavane wrote:
>
> >>> "James Silverton" > wrote in message
> ...
> >>>> There has been a trend away from open racks of vegetables in the
> >>>> Giant and other US supermarkets. Doubtless, it is convenient for the
> >>>> stores and may reduce spoilage and increase profits. However, as a
> >>>> senior whose appetite has diminished and who, to his regret now lives
> >>>> alone, it has become apparent to me that sealed packaging constitutes
> >>>> a hidden price increase. The packages, especially bean sprouts and
> >>>> snow peas that do not freeze well, generally contain enough for a
> >>>> meal for a family of four and thus, for me, the excess is often
> >>>> wasted since I am disinclined to eat the same thing on successive days.
>
> >>> The Publix markets prominently display signage stating that
> >>> they will break down any packaged product. Have you enquired?
>
> >>> pavane
>
> >> Don't have a Publix that I know of but I'll certainly bring it to the
> >> attention of Giant. Thanks!
>
> > There was one time only that I've seen 1/2 heads of iceberg lettuce
> > wrapped for sale, and I wish I'd see it more. *Sometimes I can go through
> > a whole head before it goes bad, but not often enough. *I know it's a
> > small amount of money but I'd rather I could go without throwing any away.
> > So, I hear ya.
>
> Very rare that I can use a whole head. *And if I buy the bag of shreds, it
> often turns brown before I have used it and it's not even expired. *Or if I
> open it, it goes brown right away.
>
> I tried growing my own lettuce but it just grows hog wild. *Seemed every
> year that I grew it, so did everyone else I knew and they were trying to
> give me more!
>
> I do miss the salad bars. *I do know of three in various stores and one not
> so good one. *The good ones are quite expensive so don't bother to use them
> unless I just want a little bit like for a meatloaf or a small pot of soup.
> Or if I'm really feeling flush.

I buy the bags and use them that day or the next.

On 2013-01-31 21:45:56 +0000, James Silverton said:

> There has been a trend away from open racks of vegetables in the Giant
> and other US supermarkets.

I'm surprised to hear that. The only place I know of locally (SoCal),
is Fresh & Easy and I hear their death-rattle now. Though oddly I
received a coupon today...

But another score of supermarkets, many of them ethnic, many of them
"regulah" and NONE do this. I hope it remains so, because these
pre-packs SUCK.

> Doubtless, it is convenient for the stores and may reduce spoilage and
> increase profits.

That may be, but everytime I look at one of those pre-packs at F&E one
or two of the objects look like something I would set aside while
looking for a good object.

> However, as a senior whose appetite has diminished and who, to his
> regret now lives alone, it has become apparent to me that sealed
> packaging constitutes a hidden price increase.

Agreed, use a minor increase in costs, if possible to go to another
supermarket. Never was a fan of Giant...

> The packages, especially bean sprouts and snow peas that do not freeze
> well, generally contain enough for a meal for a family of four and
> thus, for me, the excess is often wasted since I am disinclined to eat
> the same thing on successive days.

James, using another of my ID's I remember you from in ye olde usenet
sushi group. There were about four of us there that actually talked
about Japanese food. I've forgotten the part of the world you inhabit.
It's not the Boston area is it?

On 2013-02-01 15:39:28 +0000, James Silverton said:

> I have not tried talking to the manager yet but, even if not intended,
> packaging vegetables is effectively age discrimination for me :-(

Also marital status, or rather family-size discrimination. Whatever it
is, we need to come up with a name for it quick!

On 2/1/2013 11:32 AM, James Silverton wrote:

> My initial post was provoked by the recent closing of a little local
> chain (Macgruder's) that did sell many things loose

My sister shopped there regularly and was bummed they closed. They used
to have one here in Bowie but that was a decade ago. We now have a MOM
and an ALDI in the same shopping center that used to have Macgruder's.
I've only been to MOM once and that was when my usual pet food store
was closed unexpectedly on a Saturday for a weekend holiday. They
didn't have what I needed. My cats are picky and only like California
Natural. I keep meaning to go in for another browse.

On 2/1/2013 11:30 AM, Julie Bove wrote:

> Usually if you see loose carrots here they are the large juicing ones.
> Packages of regular carrots are always cheaper. Sometimes you can buy the
> baby ones loose but they're more expensive too.

The store where I shop has many bulk produce items but I've never seen
baby carrots in bulk. Large carrots are also bagged but sometimes they
have different sized bags. I've never seen anything marked juicing
carrots, but I've never juiced them so wouldn't know the difference
between eating or juicing carrots. TBH I've only just started buying
carrots again because I prefer them raw to cooked, and I wasn't able to
eat them raw, first with the braces, and then until I got some dental
implants. I just got the last implant today that I'm going to need in a
while. YAY! But shit does it hurt tonight, thank goodness for more
pain killers.

When all this is done, between my back and my mouth I'll be lucky to end
up not being a junky.

On Fri, 01 Feb 2013 20:21:52 -0500, Cheryl >
wrote:

>On 2/1/2013 11:30 AM, Julie Bove wrote:
>
>> Usually if you see loose carrots here they are the large juicing ones.
>> Packages of regular carrots are always cheaper. Sometimes you can buy the
>> baby ones loose but they're more expensive too.
>
>The store where I shop has many bulk produce items but I've never seen
>baby carrots in bulk. Large carrots are also bagged but sometimes they
>have different sized bags. I've never seen anything marked juicing
>carrots, but I've never juiced them so wouldn't know the difference
>between eating or juicing carrots.

In winter (now) the market in town sells 5 pound bags of large carrots
from Canada for $3. I buy them to feed the deer but I use them as
well, even though they are large carrots they are tender and sweet.
I've never heard of "juicing carrots", I'd think one can put any
carrots in a juicer. These monsters would pobably be good for carrot
cake... I bought a second bag today, cake or muffins can be on the
agenda.

On 01/02/2013 8:32 PM, Brooklyn1 wrote:

> In winter (now) the market in town sells 5 pound bags of large carrots
> from Canada for $3. I buy them to feed the deer but I use them as
> well, even though they are large carrots they are tender and sweet.
> I've never heard of "juicing carrots", I'd think one can put any
> carrots in a juicer. These monsters would pobably be good for carrot
> cake... I bought a second bag today, cake or muffins can be on the
> agenda.
>
If you are using them for deer why not go for even larger quantities.
The price drops a lot. I have to wonder about the cost of carrots in the
grocery store when they charge $3 or so for a 2 lb bag considering that
I can get a 50 lb bag for $6.

On Fri, 01 Feb 2013 20:21:52 -0500, Cheryl >
wrote:

>On 2/1/2013 11:30 AM, Julie Bove wrote:
>
>> Usually if you see loose carrots here they are the large juicing ones.
>> Packages of regular carrots are always cheaper. Sometimes you can buy the
>> baby ones loose but they're more expensive too.
>
>The store where I shop has many bulk produce items but I've never seen
>baby carrots in bulk. Large carrots are also bagged but sometimes they
>have different sized bags. I've never seen anything marked juicing
>carrots, but I've never juiced them so wouldn't know the difference
>between eating or juicing carrots. TBH I've only just started buying
>carrots again because I prefer them raw to cooked, and I wasn't able to
>eat them raw, first with the braces, and then until I got some dental
>implants. I just got the last implant today that I'm going to need in a
>while. YAY! But shit does it hurt tonight, thank goodness for more
>pain killers.
>
>When all this is done, between my back and my mouth I'll be lucky to end
>up not being a junky.
>
Never heard of juicing carrots -- implies that they are only good for
juicing. Those nice, big, huge carrots have centers that are less
woody, they are sweet, tender and longer keeping. I bought 2 of the
big Costco bags (10 pounds?) in mid-September. They are still
perfect. No mold, no black spots, not sprouting at the top nor
producing roots along the length and still as firm as the day I bought
them. I specifically look out for these large specimens and avoid the
others.
Janet US