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10 Tips to make groceries last longer and save cash

Saving on groceries is not just about smart shopping. If you are throwing food away you are wasting cash and all the tips you’ve used to save money at the grocery store will be for nothing. Below are some tips for making your groceries last longer.

1. Know how long each of your grocery items will last. If there is no expiry date do a search about the product on the internet.

2. 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.

3. 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.

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4. Depending on when you need it put bread in fridge or freezer.

5. Be smart when you’re buying organic and think about how long you take to eat it as organic foods tend to spoil faster.

6. Invest in a herb savor kitchen gadget which is a container that submerges the bottom of your herbs in water and extends the life of your herbs by approximately two weeks. It does cost so you could suggest it to a family member as a gift for you birthday or Christmas. Or a no cost version is to stand your herbs up in a container, put a small amount of water in the bottom and cover everything in a large plastic bag.

7. 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. 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.

8. Consider a plaster bag sealer machine so you can reseal your packaged goods. It’ll keep the air from escaping and make your food last longer.

9. Bagged salads and pre-cut fruits certainly will save you a few minutes since there isn’t any preparation time, but they also tend to spoil faster. Buying whole fresh produce will ensure that your fruit and veges will last longer.

10. Carefully look at your produce and throw out ones that are rotting because it can cause the surrounding foods to spoil faster as well. Mold spreads really quickly so be sure to throw out anything that is furry.

 

Lisa Dudson is a bestselling author and Registered Financial Advisor with over 15 years industry experience. Lisa offers financial advice through www.acumen.co.nz and co-owns the New Zealand's leading property investment agency www.ifindproperty.co.nz