When it comes to creating delicious and nutritious meals, incorporating fresh, seasonal produce is a must. Not only does seasonal produce taste better, but it’s also more cost-effective. Here are four money-saving tips to help you make the most of seasonal fruits and vegetables in your cooking.
1. Know Your Seasons
The first step to saving money with seasonal produce is knowing when fruits and vegetables are in season. For example, strawberries and asparagus peak in spring, while apples and pumpkins are fall favorites.
By focusing your meals around what’s in season, you can save money and enjoy produce at its freshest and most flavorful. To help you get started, here’s a simple, budget-friendly recipe using a seasonal summer vegetable, zucchini:
Ingredients for Zucchini Noodles:
- 2 large zucchinis
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
- Use a spiralizer or vegetable peeler to turn the zucchini into noodles.
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add the garlic and cook for a minute until fragrant.
- Add the zucchini noodles and cook for 2-3 minutes until tender.
- Season with salt and pepper, and sprinkle with parmesan cheese if desired.
2. Buy in Bulk
Another way to save money when cooking with seasonal produce is to buy in bulk. Many fruits and vegetables can be purchased in larger quantities for less per pound, especially when they’re in season.
For example, if tomatoes are in season and you have plans for pasta, salads, and homemade pizza in the coming weeks, buying a bulk box of tomatoes can be much cheaper than buying them individually.
To maximize your savings, consider preserving the extras by canning, freezing, or drying them for later use. Here’s a quick recipe for a simple and delicious tomato sauce that you can make in bulk and freeze for future meals:
Ingredients for Homemade Tomato Sauce:
- 10 ripe tomatoes
- 2 onions, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- A handful of fresh basil leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Cut a small X on the bottom of each tomato. Boil them for a minute, then transfer to a bowl of cold water. The skin should peel off easily.
- In a large pot, sauté the onions and garlic until fragrant.
- Add the peeled tomatoes, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 30-45 minutes until the tomatoes break down.
- Blend the sauce until smooth, or leave it chunky if you prefer. Let it cool, then divide into containers and freeze.
3. Visit Local Farmers Markets
Farmers markets are a treasure trove of fresh, seasonal produce, often at a fraction of the price of grocery stores. Shopping at these markets supports local farmers and allows you to enjoy ripe, flavorful fruits and vegetables that haven’t traveled long distances.
You can find a variety of seasonal items, from juicy peaches in the summer to hearty root vegetables in the winter. Ask the farmers for their favorite ways to prepare their produce – you might discover a new favorite recipe!
To inspire your next farmers market trip, here’s a tasty, versatile recipe for an apple and butternut squash soup that’s perfect for the fall season:
Ingredients for Apple and Butternut Squash Soup:
- 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 2 apples, peeled and cubed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a large pot, combine the squash, apples, onion, and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer until the squash is tender.
- Blend the soup with a hand blender until smooth. Add the cinnamon, salt, and pepper and stir well.
- Serve hot, with a sprinkle of cinnamon on top for extra flavor.
4. Learn to Substitute
Substituting out-of-season produce for seasonal alternatives can save you money and add variety to your meals. For example, you might substitute winter’s hearty kale for summer’s fresh spinach in your favorite salad.
Substituting based on what’s in season encourages creativity and flexibility in your cooking. To get you started, here’s a versatile recipe for a basic frittata that you can adapt based on what’s in season:
Ingredients for Seasonal Vegetable Frittata:
- 8 eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 cups chopped seasonal vegetables (e.g., bell peppers in summer, broccoli in winter)
- 1 onion, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cheese, herbs, and spices to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Beat the eggs and milk together in a bowl. Stir in the vegetables, onion, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle with cheese, herbs, and spices as desired.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until the eggs are set and the top is golden.
With these money-saving tips, you can enjoy delicious, seasonal meals without breaking the bank. Happy cooking!
