See how to save money on produce AND make your produce last longer with these helpful tips.
When it comes to buying groceries, the amount of money we spend on fresh produce can add up quickly! It’s an important expense, since we all know how healthy fruits and veggies are, but it’s also an expense we can keep in control if we take a few precautions.
Try a few of these tips to save money on produce and then keep on reading to hear about our reader giveaway!
How to Save Money on Produce
Buy in Season
When you buy fruits in veggies within their natural growing season you get the best deals! Rather than eating the same produce all year round, try to incorporate the items that are in season and you’ll not only save money, but also get the best taste!
Farmers Markets
By shopping at farmers markets you can save money by eliminating the “middle man” and also get the freshest produce – often picked that same day or the day before.
For the best selection at farmers markets shop at the beginning of the day. For the best prices, shop at the end of the day when vendors are more likely to negotiate to get rid of their remaining produce.
farmer’s markets – end of day
Grow Your Own
While it does take work, growing your own can save a lot of money and give you the satisfaction of feeding your family from the literal fruits of your labor!
If you don’t have space in your yard, many cities and towns have a community garden where you can have a small plot of land to claim as your own for the season.
Buy in Bulk
As with most products, big savings can be had when you buy in bulk. With produce this can be a bit tricky, because it has a limited lifespan.
One trick is to go in on bigger purchases with a friend or family member. (I like to split large packages with my sister.) You can also take measures to make it last longer – – – see the next tip!
Make It Last
Each year, as a result of throwing away fresh produce, Americans waste $24 billion worth of produce, which is the equivalent of $192 per household.**
Make the produce you buy last longer, stop the waste and save! An easy way to do this is with Rubbermaid FreshWorks, which keeps produce fresh up to 80% longer* than traditional store packaging.
Rubbermaid FreshWorks naturally regulates the flow of oxygen and CO2, in and out of the container with its revolutionary built-in FreshVent™ lid. This creates the optimal environment for produce to stay fresh. The bottom of each container has a CrispTrayTM to elevate produce away from moisture and promote proper airflow to help reduce spoilage. Rubbermaid FreshWorks containers are dishwasher safe, made in the USA of global components, and BPA-free.
There are now six types of Rubbermaid FreshWorks, so you can find one to fit all kinds of produce:
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- Large Square (11.1 Cups): Perfect for Tomatoes
- Long Rectangle (8.4 Cups): Great for asparagus or zucchini
- Small Rectangle (4.0 Cups): Will keep your green beans fresh.
- Small (2.5 Cups): Ideal for small berries.
- Medium (6.3 Cups): Perfect for strawberries.
- Large (17.3 Cups): Optimal for leafy greens.
*Based on strawberries in FreshWorks™ containers vs. store packaging. Results may vary depending upon produce and use.
** Source: USDA 2014
Rubbermaid FreshWorks Produce Saver Set
Bernie Wallace says
These tips are very usefull. Thanks for sharing. I am going to try a few of these.
Mendy Dinsmore says
I would put grapes, squash and peppers. Not in the same box, of course.
Rajee Pandi says
blueberries
BRIAN E. says
We would store peppers, blueberries, and spinach in our Rubbermaid FreshWorks containers !!!
elicia p says
I would put all the berries that I always overbuy when they are on sale.
Shannon F says
Strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries! We’re a berry family. lol
Sand says
My berries always spoil. So I’d store a bunch of berries!
Trisha McKee says
I would store cucumbers and lettuce. To prepare a salad for my lunch.