Grocery shopping tips during Coronavirus quarantine #2

[PayrollNerd]

So much gratitude that I have fresh, organic, farm to table CSA box. Lettuce, beets, carrots, spinach, garlic shoots, and a bag of morel mushrooms. I also get a dozen eggs.

I have literally not had to go to the store, maybe once a month.

I went to my aunt and uncles house on the east coast of FL for the week. I brought my produce box in, my aunt took one look at both bags, and said No. You are not going to eat these. My uncle went right to the all local grown veggie stand, brought back a boatload of fresh veggies. Then before I left today, he went back, filled a cooler and sent it home with me. I don't think we'll need to shop for a bit!!!

 

[BetteDavisEyes]

So much gratitude that I have fresh, organic, farm to table CSA box. Lettuce, beets, carrots, spinach, garlic shoots, and a bag of morel mushrooms. I also get a dozen eggs.

I have literally not had to go to the store, maybe once a month.

I did go tonight, and noticed a few bare shelves, the price of meat, other things seem to be rising. It is a bit disconcerting.

I love morels! I hope you'll make something wonderful with them. Veal with morels in a wine sauce is especially tasty (you can make it with chicken, too). Delicious.

 

[BetteDavisEyes]

I went to my aunt and uncles house on the east coast of FL for the week. I brought my produce box in, my aunt took one look at both bags, and said No. You are not going to eat these. My uncle went right to the all local grown veggie stand, brought back a boatload of fresh veggies. Then before I left today, he went back, filled a cooler and sent it home with me. I don't think we'll need to shop for a bit!!!

Thanks for sharing your produce photos We're still several weeks from Michigan's harvest, but I am looking forward to our state's summer bounty. We don't eat corn at any other time of the year because Michigan sweet corn is the best

Nino's is featuring their house-made bacon this week, so we had BLTs for dinner last night: Thick-sliced Amish bacon, beautiful tomatoes, buttery lettuce, avocado slices, and mayo on Zingerman's crusty farm bread. After a fancy Italian dinner on Thursday night, simple BLTs were perfect

 

[Midwestmom2019]

Thanks for sharing your produce photos We're still several weeks from Michigan's harvest, but I am looking forward to our state's summer bounty. We don't eat corn at any other time of the year because Michigan sweet corn is the best

Nino's is featuring their house-made bacon this week, so we had BLTs for dinner last night: Thick-sliced Amish bacon, beautiful tomatoes, buttery lettuce, avocado slices, and mayo on Zingerman's crusty farm bread. After a fancy Italian dinner on Thursday night, simple BLTs were perfect

Duke’s Mayo was hidden on the bottom row of all the national brands during this week’s grocery run. Less than a case. Had I not seen the jar growing next to the baby tomato plant, in black potting soil, I would not have recognized it. It’s not open yet. But will be with the next tomato off one of my plants.

 

[dixiegirl1035]

Duke’s Mayo was hidden on the bottom row of all the national brands during this week’s grocery run. Less than a case. Had I not seen the jar growing next to the baby tomato plant, in black potting soil, I would not have recognized it. It’s not open yet. But will be with the next tomato off one of my plants.

 

[LadyL]

I've gotten bagged salads occasionally when they're featured as a weekly special at Salvaggio's. The salads must be consumed within a day or two even if the "best by" date suggests otherwise. Moisture builds up inside the bag, and the contents become wet and slimy - definitely a breeding ground for bacteria.

Yes, I noticed my bag salads always have to be used prior to the expiry.

 

[LadyL]

grocery pickup yesterday and another one today from a different store
had to go into the drugstore for a prescription so grabbed some more hand sanitizer while there
also went to a dollar store cause there was a bunch of stuff we needed from there
no lysol wipes anywhere
dollar store had cheap masks in stock so grabbed a couple

 

[Midwestmom2019]

I’m updating my pre-pandemic shut down stash slowly but surely. And adding a bit more as I find it on sale or right in front of me while walking the aisles looking for something else.

Better said as
“Lack of planning on your part does not constitute an emergency on my part.”

Not you personally. Just general reference to other people.

Another wave could take us way back to total shut down.

 

[Midwestmom2019]

Yes, I noticed my bag salads always have to be used prior to the expiry.

Now that you mention it.
Wonder why? Maybe the bags aren’t refrigerated at all times. Even a few hours and the greens warm up, would be enough. Like noticing frozen veggies are not loose, in a bag, but in a corner surrounded by ice. So, does that mean the transportation shuts down refrigeration? Or the grocery store? Not good.
Great observation. Many times I see things, think it’s odd, but dismiss it. Pays to be vigilant. Everywhere.

 

[Bohemian]

I've gotten bagged salads occasionally when they're featured as a weekly special at Salvaggio's. The salads must be consumed within a day or two even if the "best by" date suggests otherwise. Moisture builds up inside the bag, and the contents become wet and slimy - definitely a breeding ground for bacteria.

Excuse me for interrupting (long time lurker on this thread but live in Australia). One tip for keeping your bagged salads fresher for longer is to put a folded up paper towel inside the bag. It absorbs all of the excess water from the salad leaves.

 

[passionflower]

First time in 40 years I bought a raised garden from a 4 H group. Waist high and filled it with everything for a salad. At my age I never dreamed of gardening again but at least I’ll have salad, cauliflower, cabbage, Brussels sprouts to eat if nothing else. Our prices have jumped in PA.

 

[Midwestmom2019]

First time in 40 years I bought a raised garden from a 4 H group. Waist high and filled it with everything for a salad. At my age I never dreamed of gardening again but at least I’ll have salad, cauliflower, cabbage, Brussels sprouts to eat if nothing else. Our prices have jumped in PA.

At your age? What age is that?
No. I really don’t want to know. Age creeps up on us when we’re not looking. I’m there, right with you. Thank goodness I can still garden on the ground. Won’t be long....

 

[Teche]

Excuse me for interrupting (long time lurker on this thread but live in Australia). One tip for keeping your bagged salads fresher for longer is to put a folded up paper towel inside the bag. It absorbs all of the excess water from the salad leaves.

I do this with strawberries. I place unwashed strawberries in a Tupperware type container, place a couple of paper towels on top and flip it over. My berries have lasted up or 2 weeks.

 

[kalvis]

Running jars, lids and screw tops through a hot dishwasher would work. Most dishwasher detergents are full of chlorine, other sterilizers. I truly believe I kept flu bugs and other illnesses at bay running everything through the dishwasher. Once done, I open the door. The hot dishes would dry themselves in no time. No need for drying cycle.
Good luck. Canning is an art. And a science. It’s wonderful to know you have provided the best for yourself, family and friends.

Wow! Sterilizing canning jars in the dish washer. That is a great ideal and would be a big time saver too! Just wish I had a dishwasher. Ha.

Tomatoes are just starting to turn red here. I ordered about 36 pound of canning tomatoes from my local farmers market. I canned (hot water method/cold pack) 22 quarts last year. This year I would like to can about 40 quarts. Because, I ran out of canned tomatoes in March.

I have grown my own tomatoes (garden). That is a lot of work and dedication (my dad always planted successful vegetable gardens). I admire all of you who are dedicated to your flower/vegetable gardens. I enjoy reading the accomplishments happening in your gardens. And the joy expressed in your words, when you watch the yellow bloom on your tomato plant turn into a green tomato then as you describe how it is turning pink then finally red! (I will start the bacon)

Looking forward to reading more of your stories!

Whoops! I thought I was on the gardening thread.

 

[BetteDavisEyes]

Excuse me for interrupting (long time lurker on this thread but live in Australia). One tip for keeping your bagged salads fresher for longer is to put a folded up paper towel inside the bag. It absorbs all of the excess water from the salad leaves.

I do the paper towel trick with many vegetables and salad greens. On the rare occasions when I buy bagged salads, we usually eat them that day or the next. Bagged salads don't taste fresh if they aren't used right away.

 

[MimosaMornings]

Thank you to everyone for the paper towel idea for bagged salad mix!

 

[155etta]

Thank you to everyone for the paper towel idea for bagged salad mix!

I've also found that wrapping celery, beets, and cabbage in foil makes it last longer and stay fresher.

 

[Bohemian]

I do the paper towel trick with many vegetables and salad greens. On the rare occasions when I buy bagged salads, we usually eat them that day or the next. Bagged salads don't taste fresh if they aren't used right away.

You can refresh the leaves by putting them in a bowl of cold water for 5 or 10 minutes and then spinning them dry in a salad spinner.

 

[PayrollNerd]

I wash my lettuce, lay it on paper towels then put it in my tupperware produce keeper boxes. The containers have a grooved bottom so the water falls below the produce. However, if I have a lot in there, I'll lay a paper towel midway thru the stack of produce. It's amazing how long stuff will last that way.

They are expensive but they last forever and work exactly like they're supposed to. Mine are 3+ years old and you'd never know it.
FridgeSmart® 4-Pc. Set

 

[PayrollNerd]

Thanks for sharing your produce photos We're still several weeks from Michigan's harvest, but I am looking forward to our state's summer bounty. We don't eat corn at any other time of the year because Michigan sweet corn is the best

Nino's is featuring their house-made bacon this week, so we had BLTs for dinner last night: Thick-sliced Amish bacon, beautiful tomatoes, buttery lettuce, avocado slices, and mayo on Zingerman's crusty farm bread. After a fancy Italian dinner on Thursday night, simple BLTs were perfect

I decided I wanted a BLT tonight. So I made bacon. I toasted my bread, added turkey, tomato, bacon, cheese, pickles...... I guess I did a build your own BLT except I forgot the L. Oh well, next time. LOL!!

A month or so ago, I went to Walmart with my friend. I told her what type bacon I wanted. She picked thru what was there and found Walmart's 1 lb low sodium bacon for $4.99 each! I was so excited I got 2! I had to go to Publix today. Out of curiosity, I looked and their bacon was $9.99 and it wasn't even a full pound!!!