Interesting Ways to Make Your Groceries Last Longer

If you are a working woman or a mother with young children you will appreciate the following tips to make those groceries last longer. Who has the time to shop everyday and even when you plan to buy for the week, do you have the time to ensure that each item is stacked carefully? Plan your shopping and do it when you are relaxed and calm.

Spend time to learn the right methods for storing

Make a conscious effort to learn how to store food properly and save money. A wise woman can always make groceries last longer by using space saving tips to store a variety of fruits, vegetables, meat, fish and dairy products.

Clean out your fridge before you go shopping

Before you make out that grocery list, inspect your pantry and fridge. If you have items that are pushed at the back of your fridge, place them where you can see them. Throw out scraps that will only contaminate the fridge. Try to clean your fridge before you plan to bring in more food stuff. Make out a list of items and check your handy guide to find out which items can be stored in the pantry or on the kitchen counter.

Dealing with fruits and vegetables

Fruits such as nectarines, avocados, peaches, pineapple, plums and kiwi are ideally stored at room temperature in a cool place. Vegetables such as potatoes and garlic do not require to be refrigerated. It is necessary to refrigerate fruits and vegetables such as apples, cherries, berries, grapes mushrooms, leafy greens, zucchini, celery, broccoli and cabbage among other items.

Not all of us have large fridges and sometimes we buy a lot of fruits and vegetables that we would like to have handy for the week. Stick root vegetables such as carrots, ginger, rutabagas, parsnips, turnips into small flowerpots filled with sand. Make sure to cover the heads of the vegetables in the sand. Some herbs can also be stored this way. Make sure the area is cool and dark for best results.

10 Tips to help you get started

1. Roast nuts lightly and then store them in the freezer. They will last for at least 6 months.
2. Ideally, freeze bread and warm the slices required in the microwave. It will taste fresh and the quality will be maintained.
3. Tomatoes should never be stored in the fridge. Place them in a ventilated basket with the tops facing upwards.
4. Soak berries, grapes and apples in 4 parts of water to which 1 part of vinegar is added. Scum floats on the surface. Remove and rinse and leave to dry before putting away in the fridge. They will last up to a week.
5. Onions can be strung up in pantyhose’s and left to hang in the kitchen or pantry wall. A knot between each onion will make it easier for hanging them up neatly.
6. Herbs will last longer when wrapped in plastic wrap. Secure the bottom with rubber band and use only the amount required. If it is to be used in 2 days, simply store them in a glass of water and cover with a clean plastic bag. Asparagus can also be stored this way.
7. When storing cheese, make sure to apply a dab of butter on the cut side. Use wax or butter paper and wrap the cheese and store it in any container in the fridge except for the chiller tray.
8. Meats should ideally be stored separately in the lowest compartment of the freezer to avoid drips contaminating other areas in the fridge. Fish can also be packed separately.
9. Prevent potatoes from budding by placing an apple in the same basket.

Look out for spoilt apples as one can ruin the entire lot. Remove the bad