I know we all want to get the best value for our dollars and make food last as long as possible. We also like a few simple ingredient meals now and then.
Today I am posting some things I have that are very true and would taste yummy.
Bagged lettuce and salad mixes are probably not the best choice - but many people do buy them. I have purchased on occasion, and I have figured that this is totally TRUE. After opening the bag , also remove all the air your can and then fasten close until next use. Air is what causes you lettuce to go bad.
When picking fresh lettuce from the garden or buying non-packaged lettuce at the store - I like to place in a bag with paper towels. The towels absorb any excess moisture and the lettuce lasts much longer.
Here are a few guidelines for picking out a properly ripened melon. There is no absolute guarantee - but you can sure help your odds of getting a wonderfully ripe and sweet one.
I was always told to 'thump' the melon and listen for a hollow sound. I still do that - but I look at them stem and spots too. "Thumping' doesn't always give a sweet melon!
And don't forget as you shop - IF you buy a great buy on seedless grapes (white, red or black) - consider buying extra and freezing them. I remove from the stem, wash them off and dry, then place in freezer bags. This is absolutely the most refreshing and healthy snack on a hot summer day! They are also great to throw into a glass of wine to keep it cold a little while longer!
It's time to think about those fresh and healthy items that come with summer. You can make sure you get the best and preserve in a way that lets you enjoy their freshness for a while longer.
Do you have any summer time tips????
ENJOY
Those are all great tips. I used to freeze lemonade in ice cube trays to add to lemonade to make it colder and not dilute the flavor. I do buy those bagged salads because I work and find that then I eat much better than going home and eating something 'easy' that is not nearly as good for me.
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful Thursday! xo Diana
Thanks. Great tip on the lemonade. Can do the same with tea as well. Heck, anything that makes life a little easier and still lets you eat something good for you - I am all for it!
DeleteHave a good day!!!
I occasionally buy the bagged salads too but wasn't aware of this tip!
ReplyDeleteSummer time means lots of potato/pasta salad and grilling. I tend to cook the ingredients early in the morning before the house heats up (saves on a/c) and more than enough for one meal. I generally use the BBQ every second day or so again making more than I need. It makes for quick and easy meals later in the week.
I love all kinds of salads in the summer months. A favorite here is pasta salad with all kinds of fresh garden veggies in it. So easy and I can make a large batch that lasts several days.
DeleteI hate heating the house up cooking as well. There is nothing wrong with eating salads - there are like thousands to chose from!!!!!
Cook once - eat many times. My kind of cooking.
I just picked lettuce from my garden and made a big salad even enough for the neighbors. I do not like to by bagged salad it has an after taste to me. Probably a preservative. Great tips on the melons.
ReplyDeleteHow nice of you to share! Fresh picked lettuce is so good!
DeleteENJOY
I don't buy bagged salad but my daughter does as she is poorly so I will tell her this. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteIt is a handy tip for the bagged salad. Also try to keep air from fresh picked as well. It lasts so much longer.
DeleteWelcome
Thanks for the tips! I didn't know those tips for watermelon. I had always heard to thump them too, but they usually all sound the same to me. ;)
ReplyDeleteThat fruit looks so good!! Sometimes I buy those spring mix lettuces in the clamshell to have a little variety. Looking forward to fresh veggies out of the garden.
Nothing like fresh veggies!! I look so forward to them.
DeleteI hope to get a good watermelon this year - I love watermelon.
The banana split looks great but can I put some chocolate syrup on it too. Gotta have my chocolate.
ReplyDeleteSure you can! That would be good too. Just love the idea of something kind of fun yet healthy
DeleteMaking me hungry for watermelon!
ReplyDeleteMe too!!!!! I love it.
DeleteGood things to know about watermelon. I never know the which ones to pick so hopefully next time I will get a good one using your tips. I am looking forward to all kinds of salads in the next couple of months. We really like potato and pasta salads. Have a great weekend!
ReplyDeleteI hope it helps you pick a winner!
DeleteI really like salads as well. So many to chose from.
Have a lovely one!
Cheryl I am sending you the biggest hugs for the bagged salad tip. Thank you for posting it. That's my favorite frugal tip for the week. I do my shopping tonight so now I can't wait to look for flat salad bags, lol. I get excited about the simplest things. :)
ReplyDeleteI love your blog because you don't frugal food shame. A lot of frugal bloggers, etc shame those for buying bagged salads or convenience foods.
I have depression, anxiety. I am just starting to get out of my own mourning process. I can tell you a head of lettuce has made me break down in tears. It is so overwhelming. I eat bag salads, packaged vegetables, and other "convenience foods" I am frugal about it. I love to eat healthy. I am a veggiesarous. This gives me my loves without breaking down. :)
Thank you again.
I am not here to shame anyone about anything. We all do for our households as we see fit - and that is how it should be!
DeleteIf convenience is how your kitchen/you works well - so be it. I buy the bagged stuff once in a while, sometimes, head lettuce, sometimes from farm market - whatever I feel like.
I am a firm believer "your house - your rules".
Get giddy and excited and I hope you find several FLAT bags!!! Enjoy!
(You made me smile - thanks)
Those breakfast banana splits almost made me swoon!! Good tip on freezing the grapes. I'll have to try that when I have a Sangria!
ReplyDeleteI got to try the banana splits for sure. I just love frozen grapes - they are so refreshing just to eat on a hot day. Kids love them too.
DeleteI'm definitely trying the banana split breakfast! A little chocolate syrup on top sounds like a great addition!
ReplyDeleteI noticed that about the bagged salads from shopping at Sam's. Their salads always look like they were steamrolled! We get an occasional bagged salad. We love Sam's chopped Caesar with some rotisserie chicken in it.
My husband is the Melon Whisperer!!! He never misses. He presses the ends. I'm good at avocados.
Love the hints! I never knew watermelon had a sex!!
More torrential rain today and flooding all over. What a mess! Thankfully our basement is still dry. I'm never gonna get my tomatoes planted! We always plant those and our petunias around April 15th. This year we keep putting it off for just one more week! 5 times now.
It does sound delish for sure.
DeleteI am hit and miss with melons. I just love a good sweet one.
So sorry about all the rains. It sure has been a year! We get rain every day. Have to try to accomplish things in between raindrops. I am late in putting in my plants as well. I usually plant first of May and tomatoes are still not planted here either.
Maybe today!
I am guilty of buying bagged salads. I try to use them within a day or two of buying them. They do go bad quickly!! Great tips!
ReplyDeleteDon't be guilty - you buy what you want and like. That is OK!
DeleteKeep that air out of them and you will get them to last a bit longer!
Those banana breakfast splits look great. My grandmother always put paper towels in her washed lettuce to keep it longer too. She was a whiz in the kitchen. I hope you're doing well, Cheryl. :)
ReplyDeletePaper towels really do work.
DeleteThanks for asking - doing as well as can be expected.
I don't usually buy bagged salads but did not realize this about them. I quite often buy the romaine three in a package. I find if I don't wash it until I use it and wrap each one in aluminum foil that they seem to last quite well. Nancy
ReplyDelete