Letter P
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 “P” which you can purchase in bulk when you find a great deal!
One of my favorite fruits — peaches!! You can purchase them fresh, canned or frozen, so just look for the tip below on how to save when you stockpile them!
- Fresh peaches are good in the pantry for around 1 -3 days until ripened; and then for 3 – 5 days in the refrigerator once ripe.
- To freeze fresh peaches, you will need to wash, pit and halve or slice them. coat them with around 1/2 tsp of ascorbic acid with each 6 Tbs of cold water (this prevents them from darkening). Add 2/3 cup of sugar to each quart of fruit and stir until the sugar is dissolved. Place in air tight bags or containers and freezer for up to 12 months.
- Canned peaches are good for up to 18 months in your pantry (just watch the dates on thhe product).
- Frozen peaches are usually good for up to 12 months – just watch the package dates.
It is that time of year — pumpkins are ready to be harvested. Whether you opt for fresh or canned, you can get the most out of a good deal by keeping these tips in mind:
- Canned Pumpkin has a shelf life of 2 – 5 years in your pantry. So if you have that rare coupon and deal, you can definitely go ahead and stock up to save.
- Fresh Pumpkin is good in the pantry for around 1- 2 months. It is best to not refrigerate it as it can ruin the flavor and texture.
- If you wish to freeze pumpkin, cut it into sections and remove the seeds. Cook the pumpkin until it is soft and then take out the pulp from the rind and mash it. One cooled, store in air tight containers or bags. It can be good for up to 1 year after purchase.
When it comes to Peanuts and Peanut Butter, you can definitely put your stockpiling tips to the test:
- Shelled peanuts are good for 2 – 4 weeks in the pantry or up to 12 months in your refrigerator.
- You can freeze shelled peanuts for up to 2 years!
- Peanut Butter has a shelf life of nearly 2 years in your pantry! So when you find the deal, go ahead and stock up!
- If you buy peanuts in a jar (out of the shell) they are good for up to 24 months in your pantry – unopened.
- Once you open your peanuts (jarred or canned), they last for around a month in your pantry or up to 6 months in your refrigerator. You can go ahead and freeze them for up to 12 months if you need to.
Another food that starts with the letter “P” is popcorn!
- Avoid the microwave varieties. You do pay for that convenience. It takes less than 10 minutes to make your own — and can be healthier for you.
- Flavor it with garlic, parmesean cheese or other foods. Find those with lower sodium and skip the butter to save on money and calories.
- Dry popcorn kernels can last for up to 2 years in your pantry. Make sure you do not place them in the refrigerator or freezer as that can dry them out and prevent them from popping.
Pork Chops is another food you can find on sale and grab few more to drop into your freezer.
- Plan more than one meal in a single week to use your left overs – that way you use all parts of the meat and have no waste!
- Frozen chops are good for anywhere from 4 – 6 months in your freezer. Make sure you mark the purchase date on the package as the heat labels can fade over time and you will forget your purhcased date.
- If you do plan on keeping it in the refrigerator, make sure to cook and eat it within 3 – 5 days after purchase/thawing.
Make sure you check out ALL of the tips we’ve shared – just click the letter for the food you want to know more about!!