Mesh produce bags: Easy batch processing
A series of tip sheets on labor efficiency for fresh-market
vegetable growers.
Astrid Newenhouse
Bob Meyer
Marcia Miquelon
and Larry Chapman
University of Wisconsin, Madison
Healthy Farmers, Healthy Profits Project
Washing leafy greens by hand is backbreaking and time consuming. You can use mesh produce bags to speed the process. A mesh bag is a woven or knotted polyester or nylon sack that costs approximately $2 to $6 each. When you need to wash a large number of small items (such as salad greens, peas, beans), a mesh bag can save you time and help reduce stress and strain on your body.
What is "batch
processing"?
Batch processing lets you move a large amount of produce at one
time through the harvest, washing, and drying processes. This amount,
or batch, speeds the entire process because you eliminate many short repetitions
along the way. For example, you can line your harvest container with a
mesh bag, then lift the entire bag and its contents into the wash basin.
Leave the produce in the bag to soak and rinse, and then lift the entire
batch to dry. Dry light produce by placing the bag into a commercial salad
spinner, or use an old washing machine set to “spin” cycle.
The mesh allows water to drain out. If you don’t have a spinner
or washing machine to dry produce, spin the bag lasso-style in the air.
Benefits of using
mesh bags:
Less Stress on body. Batch processing lets you maintain an erect
posture while removing and draining produce. It also minimizes the amount
of time your hands are immersed in cold water. By comparison, hand washing
involves repeated stooping, lifting, and gripping. Also, holding produce
while it drains puts stress on your arms.
Faster. Compared
to hand washing, batch processing lets you wash 50% more greens (by weight)
in the same amount of
time.
Less damage to crop. Faster washing and drying maintains crop quality.
Also, gentler handling reduces damage to leafy greens from crushing.
Will using mesh bags
save me money?
The time savings you get from batch processing will increase your
profit. You will also indirectly save money by improving product quality
and preventing stress and strain on your body.
