We are continuing with our series on how to save on groceries — even if you don’t have a coupon! Â These items below are things we need, and we purchase, even if we don’t have a coupon or one is never available. Â 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. Â You can actually store it in the freezer!
- When continually refrigerated, milk is drinkable for about one week AFTER the sell by date. Â 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). Â 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. Â Lay them on a single layer on a cookie sheet and flash freeze them. Â 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.
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