Got No Dough - Saving Money in Slim Times

One of the largest chunks of my grocery bill tends to be produce. Although most of us strive to provide our families with nutritious meals, the high price of produce can really make it difficult. One of the easiest ways to cut back on this cost is to know which fruits and vegetables are in season and come up with a variety of side dishes containing them.

Here in the Northern Hemisphere we are coming up on the end of Autumn. Here are the fruits and vegetables currently in season, how to piece a good piece and how long they can be stored.

• Acorn Squash - Look for a squash with a deep color and make sure it has no blemishes, cracks or soft spots. Store up to two months in a cool dry place.
• Apples - Look for apples that are smooth, clean and shiny and watch out for bruises or punctures. Store in the refrigerator for up to four weeks. Watch for rotten apples!
• Butternut Squash - Make sure the color is uniform and hard. Avoid soft spots or cracks. Store up to three months in a cool, dry place.
• Cauliflower - Look for firm white heads with healthy looking leaves. Store up to one week.
• Figs - Look for figs that are plump, soft and sweet smelling. Inspect the stem to make sure it is intact. Refrigerate for up to two days.
• Grapes - Look for grapes that are plump and have a nice color. Avoid shriveled or discolored skin. Refrigerate in a vented bag for up to a week.
• Mushrooms - Make sure the mushrooms are firm and don’t have black spots or look shriveled. Store in a paper bag for up to three days.
• Parsnips - Look for firm, smooth parsnips without the little roots growing out of them. Wrap in a paper towel and store up to a month.
• Pears - Look for pears that are firm, unblemished and have a nice color to them. Watch for soft or shriveled pieces. Store in the refrigerator for a week.
• Pomegranate - Choose one that is heavy, smooth and without blemish. Store at room temperature up to three days, in the refrigerator up to a month or freeze up to three months.
• Pumpkin - Look for a nice smooth skin and uniform color. Store in the refrigerator for a week.
• Sweet Potatoes - Pick potatoes that are heavy, smooth and firm. Avoid shriveled pieces, cracks and black spots. Store in a cool, dark place for up to two weeks.

So now, go out, pick out some nice fruits and vegetables that are in season and cook up a nutritious frugal meal.