We all know we should eat our fruits and vegetables, but they can easily turn into a budget buster. Especially because it is incredibly rare to find coupons for fresh produce. So how do you save your pennies when this is such an important staple? Here are a few tricks I love to use to save all the pennies I can:
Weigh your options:
As you look through your produce department, chances are you will find individual items and bulk bagged items. As I said before I like to break things down based on per ounce costs to find out which is the better deal...usually buying individual is the better deal with produce because it can spoil quickly and if it isn't used, you just lost that cost. BUT there are instances when you should buy the bulk bag. Such as with items like potatoes, onions, and apples. Reason being is they last longer then your regular produce, they can be put in multiple items and freeze up in things well. Example: use the potatoes in your freezer meals or the apples in a pie to freeze or make up apple sauce.
PLUS when you can get the bulk bag at a great price, it will break down to cheaper per pound costs then the individual. Now here is the big tip...WEIGH THE BAGS!! Yes it is labeled as a 5lb or 3lb bag...but I promise that is not the exact amount in the bag! Usually you will find that you can get as much as .25 to .75 lbs more then what the bag is labeled as. THAT IS FREE PRODUCE! Take advantage of this and weigh several bags before selecting your bag! And to be honest, I do this will all produce that is packaged and sold as a unit. If I am going to spend I want the best price!
Local is better:
When possible get your produce at your local Farmers Markets! Trust me, you will get better prices and better tasting produce! Do your research first though...find out what is in season so you get it at the best price! Also bring cash...most do not take credit cards or checks so cash is the way to go! I also like to bring my own bags so I am not wasting plastic bags at each vendor.
When shopping at Farmers Markets, pay attention to what you can get for bundled prices. Some vendors will lump items together so you can get a better deal. Also walk the vendors first before just jumping on the first table. Chances are there is another vendor with the same product at a better price! Lastly...get there early! The early bird really does get the worm when in comes to Farmers Markets! The best deals and produce will be snatched up early so get in on it by shopping early!
Need to find a Farmers Market near you? Check out http://www.localharvest.org/ to find one close to you!
Store Correctly:
Not all veggies and fruit should be stored in the same way. Some need to be refrigerated, some should set out on the counter, and some should be in a cool dark place like a pantry. Know where everything goes so you get the best bang for your buck out of your produce purchases! Plus learn tricks that will keep items fresher longer.
One trick I have learned is to freeze certain fruits that I know we don't eat as quickly. I use a parchment lined sheet pan to freeze fruit by placing various berries, sliced and peeled kiwi, and sliced and peeled bananas on it and in the freezer. Make sure to do them in a single layer so they freeze evenly. Once frozen place in a large freezer bag and keep in the freezer. Perfect for smoothies, on top of yogurt, and even in cereal! The kids love the unexpected frozen pop while eating in the morning!
Prep right away:
When I purchase my produce I like to cut up items right away that I may not use if it wasn't already prepped. I do this with veggies such as peppers, onions, mushrooms, broccoli, and zucchini. I store them in easily stacked containers so they are ready for easy lunches and to be added to my meals for the week. This again will save you time, plus you will find if it is cut up and ready to go, you will use them more often! This is awesome for wraps at lunch, or salads!
Now you have no excuse to not get your daily veggies and fruits in!
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