Shop in Season to Save on Produce: Winterby Mary Ann Romans | More from this Blogger 29 Mar 2007 04:14 AM
Here is your guide to the best and least expensive picks on produce in the winter. I'll also share just a few general ideas on how to use them, but be sure to check out the Food blog for recipes. Chestnuts There is a reason for "chestnuts roasting on an open fire." They are a great frugal food for winter. Don't be intimidated by the chestnut, because although the shell is very hard, the meat inside is worth the effort to get it out. Not only can chestnuts be roasted, but you can boil or puree them. Fresh chestnuts should be store in the refrigerator for about a week. it is a nice bit of frugal protein. Grapefruit Try using grapefruit as a breakfast staple. Just cut it in half and sprinkle some sugar on it. You'll be getting a ton of vitamin C and saving money, too. And, grapefruit is great if you are on a diet. Check out this blog, 5 Great Fat Burning Foods Kale Kale is related to a cabbage and is best when it is cooked (stewed, sauteed, or boiled) instead of raw. You can also add some of the smaller and more delicate leaves to a salad.Keep it in the refrigerator and use it within a week. Just like spinach, though, it freezes well after being cooked, making it a frugal choice for stocking up. Leeks Lemons Try making lemonade. Who says it has to be for winter only? Or add the juice to chicken in a crock pot for a frugal meal. Oranges and Tangerines My favorite way to enjoy oranges and tangerines is by eating them as is, but when I find them inexpensively, I take advantage and buy in bulk. I use them in salads, and I juice them. Naval oranges, tangelos and clementines are going to be some of the least expensive in winter. Radicchio Sure you can use it in salad, but if you are buying in bulk to take advantage of the great prices, try grilling and adding a little balsamic vinegar. Then you can use it as a side vegetable in your frugal meal planning. Radishes Rutabaga The Food blog has a recipe for an Asian Beef Pot Roast that incorporates the funny-sounding rutabaga. You can also mash them with butter and salt just like you would with a potato. Look for the smallest rutabagas for the sweetest taste. Turnips Related Articles: Buying Organic? Know When to Spend And When to Save Learn more about Mary Ann Romans  Mary Ann Romans is a freelance writer, wife and mother of three children. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, the kids and a 16-pound cat. Relevantfrugal tags User Comments Memartha (306) 16 Jan 2009 05:37 PMAh, the lowly rutabaga... Did you know adding rutabaga to mashed potatoes adds a mysterious and lovely tang?  Mary Ann Romans |
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If you want to save the most you can on fruits, veggies and nuts, you should always buy what is in season. Buy in bulk and freeze when you can. You'll be sure to save on your grocery bill.
