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It’s had to underestimate the importance of eating fruits and veggies. After all, several studies have shown that those who eat healthier meals live longer. It’s also been proven that a healthier diet can result in fewer health issues, too.
However, fresh produce can sometimes be hard to find at a decent price. And frozen veggies sometimes don’t taste as good as their fresh counterparts. So it’s no wonder why some are tempted to just stick to cheaper but unhealthier options. But that doesn’t mean that you can’t get your fill of healthy food on a budget, whether you’re shopping at a supermarket or an online organic grocery store. Getting the best price on food is essential if you want to save money.
If you keep a few tips and tricks in mind, you can get all the food you need without breaking the bank. Here are some great ways to save money whenever you go out to buy fresh produce:
1. Buy Fruits and Veggies in Season
One of the easiest ways to save money is to choose in-season fruits and veggies. When certain kinds of food are in season, they’re available in large supply. And this abundance drives down the prices of specific crops.
On the other hand, it takes a lot more effort to bring off-season fruits and veggies to local grocery stores. They’re usually ordered from far-away places where they are in-season. This results in higher shipping and delivery costs that are passed down to the buyer. This longer travel time also means you’re not getting this product at its freshest.
2. Shop for Produce at Farmers’ Markets
Supermarkets and groceries are usually the most convenient places to shop for ingredients. But you might be able to get a better deal if you swing by your local farmer’s market instead.
There, you’ll be able to pick from all sorts of fruits and veggies that have usually been picked fresh from the farm. And because you’re buying directly from the farmers, there is no need to add a fee on top just to pay for a middleman. So not only are you getting the freshest produce possible, but you’re getting them at a bargain, too.
3. Shake off the Extra Water
Some grocery stores spray their produce with water at timed intervals. This makes shoppers believe that food that’s freshly misted is cleaner and fresher.
However, groceries don’t do this for hygienic reasons. Instead, they spray produce to earn a bit more money. That’s because the fruits and veggies will absorb the water and weigh a little heavier. Remember: produce is usually sold by weight. This means you’ll end up paying more for the same kind of produce–just because they soaked it beforehand!
To get around this, just shake off any excess water before you pay at the check-out counter. You can always rinse them off yourself when you get at home.
4. Know When to Bargain
If you’re planning to shop for food at the farmer’s market, try to drop by near the end of the day, a little before closing time. Unfortunately, this may not leave you with a lot of time to browse. But this gives you the best chances of bagging a great discount on fresh produce.
Generally speaking, farmers don’t like to haul back any unsold produce. It’s not only because it’s a hassle; it’s because these products often rot on the way back to their farms. So if you ask nicely, most farmers would be more than happy to sell them to you at a discount. It’s a better outcome than having the produce rot and become a total loss.
Keep all of these in mind the next time you buy fruits and veggies. As long as you properly plan before your shopping trip, you’ll be able to get fresh produce at a reasonable price.