The method of growing bug-free greens in special greenhouses, in boxes of sand, not the ground, was developed by Gush Katif farmers. With their expulsion, they moved their businesses to other locations. Marketed under various names, such as Aleh Katif.
Bugs can fly in afterwards. Which is why the packaging tells you to soak in soapy water for 3 min and rinse well. I’ve found bugs floating in that water.
Supposedly they are still sprayed.
They are more expensive than regular produce. Since the stores I shop in don’t even carry the non-bug free type, I have no idea how much. I imagine the price difference in the US is even higher, since it is imported.
There are other types of bug free products- some undergo special washing/inspection before packaging (Bodek) and some are grown in special conditions in South America (I think that one is called B’gan)
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