When you are on a tight budget, every penny counts, which is why many shoppers have become a lot more frugal about how they spend their money. Bulk buying does not have to mean piling your trolley high with mayonnaise, ketchup and pasta that will last you through until the next millennium. You can also eat a much healthier diet if you buy fruits and vegetables in bulk. But, if you are considering making bulk buys of fruits and vegetables, they need to keep fresh so that to your super-sized order is worth it.
Make Up a Meal Plan
It is easy to see a “bargain” when you are tempted to buy fruits and vegetables in bulk and to reason that they are good for you, so there is no harm in stocking up. However, the truth is that unless you have a plan on how you will use up the bulk buy of onions, oranges or broccoli most will end up being thrown out.
Reduce waste by making up a meal plan that will incorporate your bulk buy of fruits and vegetables. A box of nectarines and tangerines can be cut up and segmented to be turned into fruit salad or a smoothie, while a sack of onions can be used as a staple ingredient in a number of dishes such as stir fries, soups, casseroles and stews.
Use Up Soft Fruits Quickly
Soft fruits such as peaches, raspberries and blackberries have a short shelf life, which means if you buy them in bulk you must eat them quickly. Wash and prepare the fruit as soon as you get it home and place it in the fridge to last for longer if you do not plan on eating it all that day.
Use the Juice!
A bulk buy of oranges might seem like a good idea at the time, but will you really be able to eat 30 oranges before they go bad? Unless you have a large family to feed, most will likely end up being thrown out.
Whenever I buy bulk items such as oranges, lemons and tangerines, I do not just peel and eat them. I also make good use of the juice by preparing a non-alcoholic fruit cocktail and freezing some of the juice, to add to my drinks later on.
A bargain on a 20lb box of bananas is only a bargain if each piece of fruit is consumed, rather than wasted. Next time you decide to stock up on bulk buys of fruits and vegetables make sure you have the room and ability to use up as much of the food as possible. After all, have you really bagged a bargain if half the food ends up being wasted?
More from this contributor:
What to Feed Picky House Guests for Breakfast
How to Make Lettuce Last Longer
How to Save Even More at Farmers’ Markets
