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Saving on groceries doesn’t just stop at the supermarket checkout. Have your dollar go even further by preserving your food and using some tricks to extend the life of your groceries. If you’re throwing away food, you’re wasting cash, and all the tips you’ve used to save money at the grocery store will be for naught. By learning how to preserve food, you’re helping your wallet and the environment by reducing waste. Read on to find out the best ways to make your groceries last a good while.
Get an Ethylene Gas Guardian
The E.G.G. or Ethylene Gas Guardian ($25) is a product that will absorb ethylene, which is emitted by most fruits and veggies. Some types of produce that are sensitive to this ripening agent will spoil more quickly when exposed to this gas. A solution is to separate the items (there is a nice list of Ethylene-sensitive foods on Real Simple), and you can also choose to use the E.G.G. and put it in your produce drawer.
Educate Yourself About the Life of Your Grocery Items
Know how long each of your grocery items will last. For those without an expiration date, there is a handy list on Ziploc’s website that gives an estimate of how long different types of produce and meats last when refrigerated and frozen.
Don’t wait until the food spoils and you end up throwing it away. Keep in mind the life of each item and eat it based on which one perishes the fastest.
Don’t Cut Fruits and Veggies Till You Need Them
Keep fruits and veggies whole (until you need them) if you want them to last longer. Don’t break off a stem, break it apart, or chop it into pieces if you’re not going to eat it. “As soon as you start pulling fruits and vegetables apart, you’ve broken cells, and microorganisms start to grow,” says Barry Swanson, a food scientist at Washington State University.
Put Bread in Fridge or Freezer
I have friends who immediately put the bread they buy into the fridge and my mom puts slices of bread into the freezer to make it last longer. If you’re not going to finish the bread in a few days, don’t leave it out on the counter or it will start to grow mold. The best method is to leave half of it in the freezer and half of it in the fridge.
Be Smart When Buying Organic
Even if you’re a fan of organic foods, you might want to be smart when you’re buying organic. For example, think about how long you take to eat a certain kind of food and choose to go organic based on that, since organic foods spoil faster. If you find yourself constantly throwing away grocery items like eggs and milk, make a note of which ones and go for the normal kind the next time you’re at the supermarket.
Invest in an Herb Savor
The Herb Savor ($23) from Prepara, which was also one of Oprah’s Favorite Things, will lengthen the life of your herbs for up to three weeks, according to the website. It’s not just a container, this kitchen gadget will keep the roots of your herbs “slightly submerged under water.”
Cook Foods That Are About to Perish
If the foods are approaching their expiry date or are starting to lose their luster, cook them before it reaches the point in which you have to throw them away. For example, make a stir fry out of the old produce, or make baked goods from the really ripe fruits, such as banana bread out of old bananas. Start digging around the Internet for ideas!
Consider a Sealer
Get a nifty sealer ($10) to reseal your packaged goods. It’ll keep the air from escaping and it’s more convenient than pouring the item into a food container.
Avoid Bagged Veggies and Pre-Cut Fruits
Throw Out the Bad Apple
Make Fresh Produce More Visible in the Fridge
For foods that are perishable, try to make them more visible in your fridge and put them in front of processed food items. This is so you won’t forget your fresh produce and you’re more likely to reach for them.
Although it is recommended to keep produce in its respective drawers, you should try this technique if you find that you keep forgetting about the items in the drawers.
