Pre-packed bags of prewashed salads can be 50-70% more than mixing & making your own salads.
How to shop at the
supermarket
When shopping if you have only come for a few items don't
pick up a shopping basket as this is likely to make you buy more shopping.
Expensive items are often at eye level with the cheaper
products above & below.
Ready made meals are often expensive compared to what you
can make fresh yourself.
There are often impulse buys at the till so just try not
to tempt yourself.
Never buy badly dented cans as the seal could be broken
and the contents could be dangerous
Check out the supermarkets own magazine before you start
shopping. There may be money off coupons or offers inside.
Collect your loyalty points at the supermarket.
Online Supermarket
Shopping
Some stores are consistently known to be the cheapest so
it is best to try and shop there if you can.
Wines
Cheaper wines can be poor value as most of the cost of
these is in tax on the alcohol so choose carefully.
Most table wines sold in supermarkets & bottle stores
are designed to be drunk within 1-2 years. After this they will often dry out,
let air in and spoil.
Pour leftover wine into a smaller bottle and seal with
tight fitting cork. Or use apump that removes air from half finished bottle.
Opening an inexpensive bottle of red by letting it breath
for 2-3 hours before drinking.
Check out the 12 bottle for the price of 11 if you're
having a big party & bottle stores may lend you wine glasses.
For everything you need to know about whisky check out Scotch
whisky
Heat spoils wine so always keep it cool.
Sell by dates
Fresh food bought loose, usually has no sell by
date.
Sugar, salt, dried pulses & canned food will store
for a long time.
Olive & vegetable oils keep well after the bottle
has been opened, but walnut & other nut oils become rancid after 2-3 months.
Dried fruit stores well
Nuts should be used up as they quickly lose their
flavour
Fruit & Veg
Buy in season fruit & vegetables when you can as they can
often be much cheaper at that time.
Try picking your own if you can as it may be much
cheaper.
Try to shop at local greengrocers as
often have cheaper fruit & vegetables. Supermarkets often buy unblemished
items of similar size to loook more attractive in packaging. Greengorcers &
market stalls often buy less visually perfect produce. But remember to select
the individual items with care.
Also there can be local weekend markets that have even better
deals. Find out where your local farmers markets are found. Always try to buy
fruit & vegetables when they are in season as they are often
cheaper.
Pre-packed bags of prewashed salads can be 50-70% more
than mixing & making your own salads.
Salads with added dressing or
croutons can be over 30% more expensive
A sack of potatoes or onions can be stored through
winter.
Can you freeze
it?
Freezing fruit & veg that is in season and food in
general and then eating later on can save you lots of money.
Yes: Raspberries,
skimmed, semi skimmed & double cream, tomatoes for soups & sauces,
spinach, fully cooked potatoes, fresh meat, fish or shellfish, creamy
deserts
No: Whole melons,
bananas, full fat milk, lettuce, uncooked potatoes, previously frozen meat fish
etc.
Food Shopping when on holiday
What to buy abroad
France: cheese, honey & olive oil. Mustard, cooking
chocolate & strings of garlic. Wines of most types.
Belgium: Chocolates high quality
Italy: Salami, Parmesan, Parma ham, panforte, sun-dried
tomatoes, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, pasta maker. Aperitifs- Campari &
Limoncello
Spain: saffron, Pata Negra dried ham, dulce pimenton
(smoked paprika), turron (nougat), olives, sugared almonds & sherry
Asia: Chinese & Indian teas. Unusual spices.
Decorative serving bowls, kitchen utensils or decorative china
Middle East & North Africa: Spices. Herbal, floral
or fruit teas, hone olives, Turkish delight, whle nuts in honey, dried fruits.
Greek or Turkish coffee pots.
Kitchens
Pans
Choosing the right pan can save you alot of money.
Stainless steel are good value & are easy to care for.The steel should have
chrome/nickel content of at least 18/10.
Aluminum pans are fliiser but less susceptable to wear
& tear if coated.
Box sets are best value, so check them out in the
sales.
Knives
A good quality knife is made in one piece. Sabatier,
Henckels & Global are good quality. Kitchen Devil knifes have been
recommended for best value for money.
Saving in the kitchen
Just fill the kettle to the amoutn you need.
Put a lid on the suacepan when boiling.
Roasts or casseroles can be started in acold oven if
they need to be cooked for more than an hour. Only baking needs preheated
oven.
The cheapest & fastest way to bring water to the
boil for cooking in a saucepan is to use the kettle.
Try to put as much in the oven when cooking, as it is
the same price no matter how much you fill the oven with
Pressure cookers reduce cooking time by almost 2/3rds.
They are better than microwaves for cooking large quantities.
Steam fast cooking vegetables in a basket over a pan in
which you are boiling slower-cooking ones like potatoes.