Buy in bulk to save money
Buying food in bulk is a simple way to save money. Larger quantities are cheaper and require less gas guzzling trips to the supermarket. No matter how cheap bulk items are, storing food will not save a penny if it goes to waste. Start by storing up staple items with a long shelf life, the family is sure to enjoy. Add this to my Recipe Box.
Potatoes
A staple in the American diet, potatoes are easily bought in 20 lb. bags. Stored at 45 to 48 degrees Fahrenheit, potatoes can last for months. A cellar is ideal, but anywhere without excessive light prevents spoiling. Since potatoes are 80 percent water, it best to keep them in high humidity. Do not store potatoes in the refrigerator. At 55 degrees, potatoes start to shrink and are susceptible to sprouting. Do not wash potatoes before storing. The perforated plastic bags used in grocery stores make the best storage containers.
Onions
Onions will last for months stored away from light at 35 to 45 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep the onions away from the potatoes. When onions and potatoes are close together they produce gases that spoil both quicker. A great way to save an abundance of onions is to carmelize them in a crockpot, then freeze them in bags for future use. They work well in many recipes from french onion soup to an inexpensive gourmet pizza topping.
Dry Beans
Pinto beans, navy beans and black beans are cheap and will last almost indefinitely if stored correctly. Keep beans in a plastic or glass container with a tight-fitted lid at room temperature. Dried beans will absorb water and spoil if kept in the refrigerator. To rehydrate beans quickly, boil them in water for two minutes. Cover the pot and remove from the heat. Let the beans stand for an hour, then discard the soak water. Now the beans are ready to cook as fresh as the day they were picked.
Dry Pasta
When pasta goes on sale, buy it in large quantities. It lasts up to two years in the kitchen pantry and can be used in a variety of recipes. Clip coupons and watch for specials to get the best prices.
Seasonings
Individual containers of spices and herbs are very pricey. Instead, buy them in bulk for significant savings. Keep spices and herbs in screw top containers, stored in a dark, cool and dry place. Do not store a spice rack near the refrigerator, dishwasher or the stove. Heat, light and air cause the aromatic oils to evaporate, killing the flavor. Whole spices last two to five years, ground spices six moths to two years and leafy herbs three months to two years. If no aroma is detected, it is time to replace the seasoning.
Apples
About 2,500 apple varieties are grown in the United States. Buy a large quantity at a bulk rate at your local farmer's market. Store them in a cool, dark place (30 to 34 F). When they start to wrinkle, make apple desserts like pie and streusels or make a batch of apple sauce.
Tags: away from, degrees Fahrenheit, last months, spices herbs, will last