Before we begin- In case you wonder where and when happened parts 1+2 – I am more than happy to oblige: here it is: explaining my 3 weekly online grocery shopping, saving time and money .My online grocery shopping: saving money+big time!(and my quick bean stew recipe for no fresh produce situations)
Organizing your online groceries: preparing ahead and simplifying your cooking!(the sequel)
Ok- now that the mystery is solved, we can relax and wonder why parts 1+2 weren’t enough to get the concept of buying food. what’s the big deal, you might be asking yourselves.
well- the deal is big. it is very big.
Getting the groceries in a frugal and efficient way and making sure you waste almost no food before you get fresh groceries- is great. it is.
but making sure you enjoy the fresh produce that had just arrived, so you waste 0 money, waste 0 time (ordering then throwing away?? what’s the point? surely you can do something better with your time) and most importantly- prompt yourself and your family members- to eat healthier.
#1: I know for a fact, that when fruits are displayed in my house, they don’t need excess prompting to be eaten, as opposed to fruit hiding somewhere.
I am aware this is not a valid option for summer days -but a few fruits can always be displayed in a bowl where everybody can just reach and enjoy.
#2: what about those vegetables?
I know many times my groceries included all kinds of pretentious vegetables that ended in the compost bin after 2 weeks of being sadly neglected.
This is not only a money waster but also -in my case- made me develop an aversion to those poor vegetables – I constantly felt that they were staring at me from their exile in the fridge, thinking I am not worth their effort.
so -my tip is don’t make any plans the day your groceries arrive, and start dealing with them aspirational veggies you ordered – right. now.
for instance- I used to read all about the benefits of pickled veggies, and decide I am going to incorporate them pickled whatever in my diet the minute the groceries arrive. buy a big batch of beets, and turnips, and such, and time just went by and so did my aspirations.
If I take the time and prepare the pickled veggies on the same day they arrive- check on the quality of your pickles, check on the no waste, and check on the no guilt feelings towards them turnips.
carrots- definitely underrated.
grated them in seconds in my Braun hand blender, added grapefruit juice (I have a grapefruit tree- not wasting that great juice) and dried cranberries.
or vegetable soup.
Pretty+ makes you want to cook.
#3: don’t be shy to display your beans.
yes it does take some time to get them in the jars but besides it being a feast for the eyes- this increases the chance of you making lentil stew by 79%! and the chances of you making bean burgers by 66%!
#4: buy minimum condiments- and store them in an airtight jar.
I get that people are taught that in order to cook favorable food you need to have a cabinet -even two- of very exotic condiments.
sorry – in my experience, this is totally untrue,
the fewer condiments you have- in my experience- the greater the chance that you will enjoy using them.
I think people are generally creatures of habit. sure you can go wild from time to time and experiment- but there are so many flavors to experiment with freshly ground black pepper and regular salt+adding paprika- or turmeric, or Morrocan mixed herbs- or soy sauce -vinegar, regular or rice vinegar, olive oil, coconut oil? lemon?curry paste? agave syrup? ginger? the possibilities with basic regular condiments are endless.
Just don’t hide the condiments in a distant drawer out of laziness- or the chances of you making that spicy whatever- will decrease by 98%.present them proudly in tight jars and enjoy them.
speaking of which: ginger- increase the chances of you using it by cleaning -cutting -and freezing it the day it arrives.
Any more tips?
Enjoy- the cooliflower.
A Wise-ass Vegan 