Mann’s Fresh-Cut Vegetables are a powerhouse of vitamins and minerals the body needs to stay fit and healthy. Our goal is to make eating fresh, nutritious, vegetables easy. Mann’s Fresh-Cut Vegetables are washed and ready to eat, and packaged in microwaveable bags, to steam for your convenience. Our recipes and cooking tips can be accessed on our website www.veggiesmadeeasy.com. Nutrition label information is also available in the “Product” section.
Q: Are there any preservatives in your products?
A: No, our products are washed, cut, packaged with no additives or preservatives.
Q: What is used to wash the vegetables?
A: Our vegetables are processed through a wash water system that is monitored to ensure it is meeting the national drinking water standards.
Q: Will it hurt the produce if I wash it again?
A: No, that’s fine. Many people like to rinse packaged veggies before using. It will not hurt the produce.
Q: Do you use pesticides or are the veggies organic?
A: We grow both conventionally and organic. Our veggies are monitored through the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) integrated pest management system, and both conventionally grown and organic grown meet or exceed all of the standards and requirements.
Q: Are your products genetically modified (GMO)?
A: None of our products are genetically modified. We do not grow or distribute any GMO products.
Q: Are all of your packages microwave safe and do they contain any BPA?
A: None of our packaging contains any BPA (Bisphenol A). All of our packaging is microwave safe, except the 32 oz and 48 oz packages. See directions for One Step Steam below.
Q: Your package says to “Steam in the Bag”. Is there a reason I cannot eat them raw?
A: Steaming, microwaving & roasting are only suggestions for our products. Yes, you can eat them right out of the bag, add them to veggies trays or cook them by your favorite method.
Q: Can I freeze the veggies right in the bag?
A: No. They must first be blanched. If frozen without blanching they will be mushy and taste bad when thawed out. See blanching instructions below.
Q: Can I use the products past the best if used by date?
A: The best date is the date we guarantee the product to be fresh through. To see if they are still fresh after the best date, open the package and look for any darkening on the veggies or strong odor. If either of these things exist, discard the package. Our motto is “When in doubt, throw it out”. Our fresh veggies have a shelf life of 16 days. The best date on the package is the 16th day.
Q: I see the products are packaged in Salinas, California, but where are they grown?
A: All of our packages state the Country of Origin. Look on the front, top right corner and it will state the country. Our produce grown in the USA is grown in either California or Arizona. Sometimes in the winter we will import snow peas or snap peas from Guatemala or Mexico. If this is the case, it will clearly state that on the package. None of our products come from China.
Q: I can’t eat an entire package in one sitting. How to I prepare the remainder?
A: You have a couple of options. First, be sure to seal the package tightly and store in your crisper. To cook, put one inch of water in a pan, add the veggies and cover. Steam for about 3 minutes. Or put the veggies on a microwavable plate, season, cover with a wet paper towel and microwave on high for 1 – to 2 minutes.
Q: When I got home from the market, I noticed the bag had expired. What should I do?
A: In a case when the product has been sold past the best date, it should be returned to the store for a new “in date” package or a refund.
Q: What does micro perforation do for the bags opposed to some companies that use the h20 gas?
A: During the risk analysis of product handling, transportation, and display of the product, the desired OTR (Oxygen Transmission Rate) dictates a number of packaging characteristics one of which is whether to use micro perforation or h20 gas. The micro perforation has tested better at diminishing the accumulation of natural gases and keeping the vegetables fresher.
Q: What causes decay before the best date, if I have stored the product properly in my refrigerator?
A: The number one reason for early decay before the best date is temperature abuse. This can happen several ways after the produce leaves our plant:
Refrigeration breakdown in transportation. Recorders are placed in the trucks to monitor this.
Once delivered to the retail outlets the produce must be refrigerated immediately at 34° to 36° degrees. If it is stored improperly on pallets it can heat up beyond this. If the produce is left on the dock or in the aisles and not refrigerated right away this can knock days off the shelf life.
After purchasing if the produce is not refrigerated within 30 minutes, early decay can start.
Remember we use no preservatives or additives, so proper refrigeration is key to keeping the product fresh through the best date.
