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 “M” which you can purchase in bulk or stockpile when you find a great deal!
The one question I get is how to get a great deal on milk. You can actually store it in the freezer!
- When continually refrigerated, milk is drinkable for about one week AFTER the sell by date. However, if it begins to smell badly, discard.
- Never store milk on the door – it is too warm and will spoil more quickly.
- If you are going to freeze, remove about 1/2″ of milk from the top of the container, to allow for expansion when freezing.
- Always thaw frozen milk in the refrigerator.
- Frozen milk can be stored up to 3 months.
Mangos are a sweet fruit that are great in smoothies (and of course solo). Here are tips on how to extend their life:
- They are good for an average of 2-5 days in the pantry – or until ripe.
- Once ripe, they are good for up to 7 days in the refrigerator.
- If you wish to freeze them, you will need to wash, peel and slice them. Lay them on a single layer on a cookie sheet and flash freeze them. Once frozen, place into air tight storage and freeze for up to 12 months.
We find deals on frozen bags of mixed vegetables quite frequently — especially around the holidays. Make sure you stock up on these:
- They can be frozen up to 12 months in the deep freezer.
- Once cooked, they are good for up to 4 days in a refrigerated, covered container.
Mushrooms are great in all sorts of recipes and salads. Here is how to get the most out of yours:
- Fresh mushrooms — good in the refrigerator for 4 -7 days.
- Fresh mushrooms can be frozen. Wash and slice. Steam for 3 minutes or saute in butter until nearly cooked. Once cooled, place in air tight containers and freeze for anywhere from 10-12 months.
- Commercially canned or bottled mushrooms have a shelf life of 2 – 5 years. Just watch the dates printed on the packaging.
When I make meatballs, I like to do a large batch at once and then store them.
- Refrigerate within hours of cooking or buying premade — where they are good up to 4 days.
- Place into air tight containers/bags and freeze up to 4 months.