Letter C
We are continuing with our series on how to save on groceries — even if you don’t have a coupon! These items below are things we need, and we purchase, even if we don’t have a coupon or one is never available. Here are a few food items, beginning with the letter “C” which you can purchase in bulk when you find a great deal!
Cantaloupe is a fruit many people love for breakfast. Here is how to get the most out of your money:
- You will want to store it at room temperature until ripe. This can usually take around 2-4 days in your pantry.
- Once ripe, make sure to refrigerate the melon. It is still good for up to ten days after ripened.
- If you wish to freeze it, you will want to cut it in half and remove the seeds and rind. Go ahead and cube or ball the melon. Place into air tight bags or containers. It usually lasts anywhere from 10 – 12 months.
Here are some tips on getting the most out of your carrots:
- When you purchase fresh, raw, unpeeled carrots, they usually stay fresh for around 3 – 4 weeks in your refrigerator.
- If you elect to purchase the baby carrots you can help them last longer by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. They are usually good for 2 – 3 weeks after purchase.
- To freeze carrots (either method), wash, peel and cut into slices, cubes or strips. Blanch (put in boiling water for two minutes) and then drop into ice cold water instantly afterwards. Drain excess moisture and place into air tight containers and freeze. They can last 12 – 18 months in your freezer.
Celery anyone? Here are your stockpiling tips!
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil or place in plastic bag where it can last 1 – 2 weeks.
- To freeze celery cut into strips or sticks. Blanch (drop into boiling water for 2 min and then drop into ice cold water immediately), dry and place into air tight containers.
- Celery will be soft once it has been frozen, so you will need to use it for cooking rather than eating it raw.
- It is usually good anywhere from 12 – 18 months in the freezer.
I love buying cheese in bulk!
- Shredded cheese is usually good for about one week past the date on the package as long as kept unopened in the refrigerator.
- You can freeze in the original, unopened packaging. If you plan on freezing for longer than 2 months, it is best to wrap in heavy duty foil or freezer bag to prevent freezer burn.
- You can also freeze sliced cheese as well. There are times it may not last as long as the block or shredded, so I recommend you not freeze more than 2 months.
Cream cheese is an item that you do find on sale around the holidays. Here are some tips on what to do if you find a great deal and want to stockpile.
- It is good for up to 1 month from teh date listed on the package as long as stored unopened, in the refrigerator.
- You can freeze cream cheese — as long as it is unopened and in it’s original packaging.
- Frozen cream cheese can become crumbly and lose flavor, so keep this in mind to use in items like soups and sauces (but do not use for baking items such as cream cheese).
- Frozen cream cheese is good for up to 2 months in the freezer.
Plus, we are showcasing four to five foods from each letter of the alphabet to help you learn how to freeze/store certain items. Just click on your letter below and go right to the post with the foods for that item!