There’s no doubt about it: grocery shopping has become more expensive.
In 2022, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has predicted that food prices will rise between 10.5 and 11.5%. Prices have risen 11.4%, making it the second-largest increase since 1979.
USDA data indicates that Americans throw out between 30 and 40% of what they purchase in addition to rising food prices. You can’t stop buying food, but you can cut down on your costs and make your grocery purchases last longer. The following are some suggestions from chefs around the country.
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Keeping Groceries Fresh For Longer
Food has a shelf life. Despite this, many of us unwittingly age our food. It has a lot to do with improper storage. It’s essential to understand how different foods react to light and temperature and to store them properly.
Don’t Putrefy Your Produce
Rece Hogerheide, the executive chef at the Daxton Hotel, advised not always to keep food in its original packaging. He said, “Produce the biggest thing to get out of the container. It’s easy to make produce last longer by storing it properly. Produce bags trap condensation and ethylene, the gas released during ripening. These make things rot.”
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Making Proteins And Poultry Last Longer
Hogerheide said, “With proteins, especially vacuum sealed, don’t introduce oxygen. The more you keep something stewing in its juices, the faster it doesn’t go well. Leave it in the container it came in.” Tubero suggested not wrapping the chicken in plastic.
Please keep it in the bottom of the fridge. It is common for proteins to contain salmonella, E. coli, and other bacteria that can cause food poisoning.
A Little Preparation Goes A Long Way
Although prices won’t return to normal anytime soon, there are many ways to prolong the life of your food by changing containers and being mindful of how ingredients are stored.
Brunina recommends investing in a vacuum sealer. The best way to buy meat is to buy a large amount, portion it for meals, and then vacuum seal it and freeze it. It’s easy and economical. You shouldn’t simply walk around thinking about all the things you could make, but look at your next few nights, see what you have, and start your shopping list there.