2016 Food & Farm Directory Annual Publication | Page 14

Buying in Bulk Fruits and Vegetables: Good For Your Budget Certainly you’ve seen the colorful bins full of rice, fruit, seeds and other goodies. Buying in bulk doesn’t mean that you have to buy large quantities. In fact, you can buy what you need and store some extra, all at a reduced price. Buying in bulk offers an exciting way for you to expand your food horizons with a pinch of spice or a new grain. If you think you might want to try quinoa or rice flour, buy a small quantity with no worries about having to spend more on the pre-packaged products. Organic bulk foods cost about 85% less than their packaged counterparts. A well-executed bulk purchase can save money and time and is an art that requires careful planning. Stocking up with the wrong things can lead to waste and spoilage, but if you cook or use certain items more often than not, you can save when buying in larger quantities. Know Your Needs Bulk items are only worth buying if you can use them before they expire. Consider shopping with a friend and splitting perishable items such as meat and dairy products. Storage Ensure you have adequate storage space before you buy. Once you make the purchase, utilize all options for easy storage. Containers are available in all shapes and sizes, but be sure that you use airtight glass jars which are safer than plastic for food storage. Used jelly jars and mason jars work great. The key to storing bulk foods is keeping food as fresh as possible. Bulk up on Nutrition Buying in bulk puts an emphasis on eating whole foods and cooking with raw ingredients as well as having direct control over portion sizes. P I b w D P t u f n T F Y a l o a p i a O G P C B O P T R 14