Do you know how to save more money and make your groceries last longer?
Did you ever notice that no matter how hard you tried to be more FRUGAL and save money on groceries, every time there will be some tomatoes, lettuce, or random fruits that will end up in the trash? Can we put an end to this vicious circle of overbuying? Yes, we can, but it’s more about how you preserve them rather than overbuying!
It is important to ensure that the groceries we buy will last as long as possible to avoid throwing them away. But we have good news for you! In the following article, we will talk about how you can make your groceries last longer and, of course, save some money as well.
1. Take care of your cheese
This is our first trick on how to make your groceries last longer, so watch out!
Cheese is delicious, and nobody can say otherwise! That’s why we tend to buy a lot of it, especially if it’s on sale at the grocery store. But how can we keep longer in the fridge without being afraid of spoiling? Change the packaging of your favorite cheese frequently, and most importantly, avoid touching it with your hands, which accelerates the process of mold growth.
If it’s possible, buy paper bags for wrapping since the plastic ones might spoil the cheese. Additionally, you can store the cheese together with a couple of sugar cubes.
2. Store lemons and limes in the fridge
When it comes to how to make your groceries last longer, it is very important to follow some basic and not-at-all-complicated rules to store your produce accordingly so you can enjoy it for more than just a couple of days after you buy them. In this case, we will talk about lime and lemons, those amazing citruses that made our teas and cocktails taste yummier.
How can you stop the molding of these fruits? Put them in a plastic bag, seal it, and store it in your fridge. Don’t worry about the humidity, because this helps them maintain freshness. If plastic bags aren’t a good option for you, store them in a bowl and put them in the fridge. Citrus that is kept properly chilled can last for up to four weeks.
3. Freeze your bread
One of the best tips on how to make your groceries last longer is to freeze certain foods. In this case, bread is one of them. Freshly baked bread is indeed tastier, but have you ever frozen it and then re-heated it in your oven? Mmm, very yummy as well! It’s enough to wrap it in a plastic bag and put it in the freezer. We already tried this hack, and in our case, the bread was kept for up to six months in the freezer.
If it’s possible, slice it before you freeze it. It will be easier to thaw.
4. Wrap your meat before freezing it
One of the best ways to keep your meat fresh for a longer period is to wrap it before you freeze it. Like any other food mentioned above, raw meat is better frozen in small packages. Wrap it firmly in foil or plastic wrap, and store it carefully in the freezer for later. Well-packed meat can be kept for up to 4 months or more.
If you plan on cooking it later on, it’s better to add the spices you want to the bag. To enhance the flavor of the meat, it is recommended to follow this method. Just make sure you wash it before putting it in the bag.
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5. Store the green salad in a bowl and cover it with a paper towel
Another extremely helpful hack on how to make your groceries last longer, especially the greenery for salads, is to put them in the fridge with a paper towel on them. Salad greens wilt most commonly as a result of moisture, which a paper towel can assist in absorbing and covering. Before doing that, don’t forget to wash it thoroughly and shake it to get rid of the excess water.
6. Store fruit in the fridge
Have you ever noticed that most fruits go bad pretty fast, no matter what we do? In some cases, we think about buying smaller quantities or limiting ourselves to just a couple. But that means we must go shopping more often, which isn’t a great idea if you want to save money. So, what can you do? Store them in the fridge. While bananas are better kept on the counter separated from other fruits, oranges, and apples can spoil faster if you keep them at room temperature.
Once you have gathered the fruits, place them in a bowl and store them inside the refrigerator. In case you notice any of them going bad, make sure to remove them and wash the remaining ones with cold water. After washing, wipe them dry with a paper towel before putting them back in the fridge.
7. Toss spoiled produce
Another hack that’s useful if you try to make your groceries last longer is to always check out for spoiled produce and throw it away. Immediately remove any food that is damaged, overripe, or on the verge of getting worse from each bag before storing it (or using it right away in milkshakes or pies, if possible). In this state, fruits and vegetables generate ethylene gas, which might contaminate the remaining fresh products.
8. Puncture plastic produce bags
Make a few of holes in the vegetable bags you purchase at the supermarket. If not, they will trap the condensation that makes most vegetables spoil more quickly.
9. Store potatoes in a dark space
One of the number one rules for keeping your potatoes fresh is to store them in the pantry or the kitchen but in a dark space. Avoid putting them together with onions; otherwise, they will spoil faster.
10. Once in a while have a leftovers dinner
The latest hack on the list of ways to make your groceries last longer is to store leftovers in airtight glass containers. It’s preferable to buy glass recipients because those made of plastic are mainly toxic.
While a lot of people tend to throw away the leftovers from lunch or dinner, instead of doing that, try to get creative with them and turn those bland leftovers into something tasty and good-looking. You will be surprised at how many recipes with leftovers are available on the internet! One click away from you…
These 10 simple procedures will help you avoid spending money and increase the shelf life of your food. What do you do to make your groceries last longer? Tell us in the comments section.
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Meanwhile, before you go you may also be curious about 9 Cheapest Grocery Stores in New York for You.
