Reviews about Produce

njchicaa says "After 30+ years, I've finally found a potato that I don't like." about Simply Potatoes Hash Browns

njchicaa — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 23:56:49 GMT

I looooooooooooooooooove potatoes. In fact, my mother reports that she had serious cravings for mashed potatoes when she was pregnant with me. Mashed, baked, scalloped, home-fried, twice-baked, stuffed, there really was no way to prepare them that I wouldn't completely love... until now.

I bought a 20 ounce bag of Simply Potatoes Shredded Hash Browns to prepare for a possible snow-day sleepover with my sister and her boyfriend. That never materialized, so I decided to make myself a nice breakfast this morning of scrambled eggs and nice crispy hash browns. Unfortunately, after following the directions on the bag exactly, these Shredded Hash Browns remained white and soft no matter now long I let them cook in the skillet. Sure, I wound up with a nice burned layer of potatoes stuck to the bottom of the pan, but the main bulk of the potatoes never "crisped" up. I wound up spreading them in a glass baking dish and broiling them... and, still, with that extra added step it took about...

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njchicaa says "If you use lots of garlic, you need to buy this Peeled Garlic!" about Christopher Ranch Freshly Peeled Garlic - 1 lb container

njchicaa — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 00:16:27 GMT

As someone who is both Italian and who cooks/eats 6 out of 7 dinners each week at home, it goes without saying that I go through A LOT of garlic. I used to mess around with whole bulbs of garlic and the time-consuming process of peeling all of the cloves, but then I discovered Christopher Ranch Freshly Peeled Garlic in the packaged salad cooler in the local grocery store. Score!

As the name implies, this is a one-pound clear plastic container of peeled garlic cloves. No more trying to pull them out of the bulb or dealing with trying to peel off all of the papery peels!! I usually use 8-10 cloves per garlic-containing dish that I make, so it is wonderful to be able to just pour them out of the jar without the hassle of getting them ready for use. I combine Christopher Ranch Freshly Peeled Garlic with my trusty Kitchen Aid Hand Chopper and, suddenly, cooking with loads of garlic is a simple task.

The only complaint that I have about these Peeled Garlic Cloves is the fact that they...

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AnnaBanana says "Just what the doctor ordered and it tastes great too!" about Del Monte Red Grapefruit Fruit Bowl

AnnaBanana — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 00:09:19 GMT

As I was browsing through the Produce Department at Dominick's yesterday, I found something I hadn't tried before -- chilled Del Monte Red Grapefruit Fruit Bowls. These are round plastic containers with replaceable lids delivering beautifully prepared segments of red grapefruit which taste -- if not quite the same -- then almost as good as fresh red grapefruit. I think that I am like a lot of people for whom how good fresh red grapefruit tastes is mainly academic because it is so much trouble to pry the edible fruit out of those tough membranes and it almost seems like you end up throwing most of the grapefruit (the peel, membrane tissue, etc.) away unused. Sometimes it seems easier just not to eat it. For lazy bums like me (I suspect our number is legion), this may be the answer -- a lidded container which holds a very respectable 20 oz. of edible fruit which can be eaten partially, then recovered and finished later.

This item is not cheap -- the regular price was $4.99 so...

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Nicole827 says "Classic Summer Treat!" about Fresh Watermelon

Nicole827 — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 19:16:32 GMT

Watermelon is the best fruit to eat in the summer. It is a better alternative to ice cream (well....when not craving it at least) in the hot weather, perfect dessert. It has to be perfect though, very juicy, and just ripe. If not, than you got yourself an "ok" watermelon. Watermelon is not fattening, and it is very healthy for you. But the best time to eat it is now (summer) so buy all you can now before it goes out of season!!! Because otherwise, you will be eating not as juicy, not as watery, watermelon.

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mskittie says "Buying safeway produce is a real gamble." about Safeway fresh produce

mskittie — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 03:49:30 GMT

I shop at Safeway on a regular basis and have for years. It always seems to be the closest grocery store to our home. Safeway is a little on the pricey side but we always seem to need something quick so off we go again to Safeway.

We have lived in three different places in the past 6 years and in all three states I have experienced the same thing with Safeway. I understand that they need to sell the oldest stuff first but it's a bit ridiculous when you buy a head of lettuce or an onion or a bag of carrots and it starts to rot within a day or two (or you need it right away and you come home and it's rotten when you get cut into it.) For awhile I avoided their produce altogether but here in WA it's a drive to get to another store so I have to plan my veggie shopping so anything I need last minute has to come from Safeway.

It's to Safeway's credit that they have graciously refunded my money or exchanged every item I've returned but that's a hassle. Who has time or desire to constantly...

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Cookies-Luv says "It's disgusting!" about Fresh Express Salad

Cookies-Luv — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:53:13 GMT

This salad is just not worth buying, unless you want to lose your appetite! My experience with this salad was simply disturbing. As I was preparing the ASIAN supreme sald, I was seriously grossed out when I was about to open the package of dried cherries. I carefully looked at the package (which was in a clear plastic bag) and noticed that there was a 6-inch long piece of hair packed inside! I was so disturbed by the piece of hair that I threw my entire salad out without even touching it because I was afraid of any other unhygienic surprises! So this is my experience...I think its just not worth it. I have to say, I will never buy Fresh EXPRESS' salad again.

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Meri says "Like Lettuce? You'll LOVE this!" about Tanimura & Antle Living Lettuce

Meri — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 21:40:03 GMT

My favorite lettuce, Tanimura & Antle's Living Lettuce, is hydroponically grown. The lettuce is grown on water [no soil] in specially designed greenhouses. It is a "Butter" or Bibb lettuce that stays fresh longer because it is packaged in a clear plastic package with its roots still attached.

When you bring the lettuce home from the store, simply store it in its clam-shell container and take off the amount of lettuce [wash and dry] that you need leaving the roots intact. Store the remaining lettuce in the shell. This guarantees fresher lettuce longer.

Tanimura & Antle Living Lettuce is grown in the United States and the growers are committed to growing sustainable produce to protect the environment.

For more information: http://www.taproduce.com/

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ShopaholicSamantha says "When I was a new Vegetarian I hated all false meats except this!" about Bocca's Flame Grilled Veggie Burger

ShopaholicSamantha — Thu, 28 May 2009 07:14:47 GMT

When I first started out being a Vegetarian at 13 I used to live off of this! No joke! Bocca's flame grilled Veggie Burger taste just like the real this, or dead cow corspe, as i would put it. Theres only 90 calories in this burger with 14 grams of protein! A totally healthy switch. Now, I fix way more items besides this. I used to hate salad along with most Veggies, so eating these helped me with the switch, i even gave it to my total Meat-A-Holic dad who didn't even notice the difference, he thought it was a wopper JR becuase i wrapped it in whopper paper :) It really does taste like a Burgar King whopper, even if your not a vegetarian, this is a heatly alternative.

5/5 - total awesomness

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rustantl says "I love fresh watermelon but..." about Fresh Watermelon

rustantl — Mon, 18 May 2009 15:14:19 GMT

Fresh watermelon is a wonderful treat fot the young and the old! It is now in season which is great but the price in the beginning of the season seems crazy to me. My Children and I went to Winn-Dixie about a week ago and my children started begging me to get them a fresh watermelon the very second we walked through the doors of the store and they spotted them. I thought to myself yeah that would be a great treat for them to have with dinner. We walked over to the watermelons and I about fell over when I saw how much they were charging for them. $8.99!!!!!!! And to top it of they were not big at all in fact they were closer to being tiny than big. I think that is just crazy! Needless to say I had to break my kids hearts when I told them there is no way I am going to pay that much for a little watermelon! At this point I had my whole family on the look out for a cheaper fresh watermelon for the kids. My Step dad was driving down the street the other day and there was a guy on the side of...

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AnnaBanana says "Great tomatoes, not-so-great packaging." about Nature Sweet Cherub Tomatoes

AnnaBanana — Sat, 02 May 2009 12:13:25 GMT

Most of us don't have room for a tomato garden nor do we live in a climate where we could grow fresh tomatoes all year, even if we had the space. Nature Sweet Tomatoes -- a product of Mexico which are packaged by Desert Glory, Ltd. of San Antonio, Texas -- represent the best chance most of us have for year-round enjoyment of tomatoes which taste like they were just picked out in the back yard. Speaking for myself, I have enjoyed these "cherry" tomatoes sold in the famous net bags for years and so eagerly welcomed Desert Glory's latest arrival ... Nature Sweet Cherub Tomatoes.

THE GOOD NEWS:

Cherubs appear to be a little bigger than grape tomatoes but smaller than the cherry-sized wonders which made Desert Glory famous. Cherubs are oddly shaped -- bigger on one end than the other -- like little "Smurfs" or miniature red eggplants. Their flavor is amazing, so good that even a salt-lover like me can eat them "straight" and -- according to their website (cherubstomatoes.com) --...

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myall21 says "Best strawberries" about Scott's Strawberries Strawberries

myall21 — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 22:10:35 GMT

Scott's Strawberries are grown locally in Rogersville, Tennessee and they are by far the best strawberries I have ever had. They are organic, so they are really healthy for you. Also they are very cheap and there is usually quite a bit amount for that money. They only come out for a month or so, sometimes in May-June, but there is no exact time for it so you have to be on the look-out. I missed them last year and am determined not to have that happen again. They can only be found at Food-City, as far as I know. They may be sold somewhere else, but I am not aware of it. Look of the brand name, "Scott's strawberries", in a green carton. They are the best!

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packer53532 says "Eat Dole Fruit Bowls-especially the ones with cream-every day!" about Dole Fruit Bowls

packer53532 — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 13:16:32 GMT

I have been having a lot of trouble eating lately because I just discovered I have gall stones. My husband spotted the Dole Fruit and Cream Bowls with peaches and pineapple and bought some of each variety for me. It's an easy way to get my daily fruit without the harsh acids of eating fresh fruits. And the taste is to die for! We have since discovered that they also have an apple and caramel cream variety which he loves but my favorites are the peach and pineapple varieties. The size is small and portable so you can take them everywhere with you. I love this product!

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Mickeebabe says "Fresh Express Salad blends is disappointing me these days." about Fresh Express Bagged Salads (ALL)

Mickeebabe — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 22:58:20 GMT

I'm an avid salad eatar and I need a product that tastes good and is easy too. I use to love the Fresh Express Salad blends but lately they are not very good. More brown lettuce in them and they aren't very "fresh". They don't last very long either. What's going on with this company. I emailed them with this complaint but I'm not sure they really care. Unfortunately, this is the only bagged salad that my grocery store carries. :( One good thing is the price is right. But it would have to be since you end up throwing some of it away before the expiration date. :(

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TunefulGal says "Carrot Hour is 4 p.m.! No more horse carrots for dogs or human." about Eating Right Peeled Baby-Cut Carrots

TunefulGal — Sun, 08 Mar 2009 01:30:55 GMT

     The days of cutting and choking down blah horse-carrots are history. At 4 p.m. I shout "Caaaaarrrrrrrotttttts!!!!" in my loudest and highest voice, and the dogs go into stampede mode and rush toward the kitchen.
     The reason? Eating Right Peeled Baby-Cut Carrots, more popular even than most calorie-laden dog treats. Dolce, Shelby and TunefulGal get about a half dozen of these fresh, sweet veggies each. Chomp. Chomp. Chomp. They're served one at a time to avoid dog aggression. Chomp, chomp, chomp. Dolce gets the biggest (they're easiest for a bigger dog to chew). Chomp. Vivo gets the medium ones (good for a medium-sized dog). Chomp. Chomp. And Mom gets the smaller ones for her dainty human mouth.
     Every time Von's (Safeway) has Eating Right Peeled Baby-Cut Carrots on sale, I pick up a minimum of eight, one-pound packages at a dollar apiece. (The grocery also has larger-package Eating Right sales, but the carrots don't seem to keep as fresh......

stef42678 says "Great Greens" about Fresh Express Bagged Salads (ALL)

stef42678 — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 11:29:31 GMT

I am vegetarian, so I eat a lot of salads. Sometimes I don't have time to chop my own greens, so I buy Fresh Express Bagged Salads. They are a great solution to eating a great salad, but without all the cutting and chopping. I like these mixes because the lettuce always tastes fresh and they have great varieties. I like the plain iceberg lettuce because it is mixed with sliced carrots and cabbage for a great dish. These salads come in a bag so it is easy to serve. They also have kits with dressings and toppings, and my favorite is the caesar which even comes in a light version with croutons and a really creamy dressing. These salads can cost over two dollars, so you do pay for convenience, but I have never had a bad bag....

asterion1964 says "Great product for busy Moms" about Fresh Express Bagged Salads (ALL)

asterion1964 — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 16:06:43 GMT

I purchase 2 Fresh Express salads every week and my family loves them. My favorite mixture is the spring mix and my kids favorite is the ceasar salad. All of their salads are extremely fresh and the lettuce is always crisp with very few brown spots.I enjoy this product because it is convenient and healthy. The dressings and croutons that come with the package taste great too and they even offer low cal dressings. The price is a little high but is worth it for the time it saves.The only complaint I have is that the lettuce wilts much more quickly than a whole head of lettuce. Then again, I would not want Fresh Express to use chemicals to make their product last longer. This is the healthiest side dish that I serve and it tastes great!

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AnnaBanana says "At long last, a taste of something ROYAL!" about Harry and David Pears

AnnaBanana — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 07:29:23 GMT

More than 45 years ago when I was just a young lady slaving away at my first full-time job in the Loop for $65 a week, one of the first things I did with my new-found prosperity was to order Harry and David gifts for my maternal grandparents. Grandpa Fiske received an assortment of three kinds of cheddar cheese and Grandma hopefully was suitably thrilled by her gift of four types of honey from different rural locations. As the years passed, I occasionally sent other people Harry and David gifts and so was gratified to eventually visit one of their stores and see how nice everything was. Somehow, though, I never got around to treating myself until recently when the day after Christmas I happened to notice in my vast file of desk stuff, a $25 Harry and David gift card which I had redeemed with MyPoints a few years ago. Just out of curiosity, I decided to treat myself this time and chose for this occasion Harry and David's famous signature product ... Royal Riviera Pears.

I placed...

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RudiXeno says "Simply Potatoes Hash Browns: Surprisingly Good" about Simply Potatoes Hash Browns

RudiXeno — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 01:38:59 GMT

Every now and again my preference for cooking from scratch runs smack into my need for quick and easy. Tonight was a perfect example. With my daughter eating and sleeping over a friend's house my wife said she could really go for something quick and simple for dinner.

"How about eggs and something?" she suggested. "Hash Browns", I offered up. "Perfect", said she. See? Simple, really simple.

Perhaps if this was a Sunday morning and I was in the mood for an old fashioned "cholesterol festival", I might have started these potatoes off fresh. I do cook some crazy hash browns and sausage when I have a mind to. But this was a Monday evening following a hectic weekend and the good Mrs. Xeno had bought a couple of bags of Simply Potatoes Hash Browns.

So, instead of taking out the food processor or the old knuckle buster, I simply opened the refrigerated bag of shredded potatoes. Simply Potatoes are never frozen, simply refrigerated. Unopened, they'll last about a month in the...

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Katrena says "Paradise Meadow Premium Cranberries seemed average to me" about Paradise Meadow Premium Cape Cod Fresh Carnberries

Katrena — Sat, 20 Dec 2008 19:04:09 GMT

I like to make a wonderful apple cranberry dish around the holidays. I prefer fresh whole cranberries, so I bought a couple of bags of these Paradise Meadow Premium Cape Cod Cranberries. They come in a 12 ounce plastic bag. The only ingredient listed is cranberries. That is good for my family because some companies line the inside of plastic bags with flour, which contains wheat, and wheat causes major problems for my children who have symptoms of celiac disease. They do list a website on the packaging but do not list a telephone number.

I am giving these cranberries a 3-star rating because I consider the quality to be average, and to me they are bordering on a 2-star rating. There were quite a few cranberries that were past their prime or did not look edible in the bags that I purchased. A few still had stems on them, so if you purchase these, you'll need to carefully inspect them before using in a recipe or eating plain. They tasted pretty tart, but I tend to like tart.

When baking with fresh...

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idocook50 says "love this item - could eat fresh express every day" about Fresh Express Bagged Salads (ALL)

idocook50 — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 15:33:50 GMT

fresh express salad are definitely better than the store brands. there is no comparing the degree of freshness when having a fresh express salad. my family loves all the different types, but i prefer the veggie mix style. it comes with everything the other bags have, but it includes pea pods. whether one makes one salad from the bag or shares, the taste is evident. the bags don't last long at my house. once open, the salad is usually gone by the next day. also, if one ever has problems with the bagged salad, just call the number on the bag and talk to a customer service rep. i had a problem with one bag and they sent me free coupons and cents off coupons. i didn't even ask for them. ...