Slash Your Grocery Bills with This Ingenious Supermarket Hack from RecipeTin Eats' Nagi Maehashi!
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As we all know, the cost of living is on the rise, and for many of us in the over-60s community, finding ways to stretch our dollars further without compromising on quality is a top priority. That's why we're always on the lookout for clever tips and tricks to save money, especially when it comes to the weekly grocery shop. Today, we're excited to share a simple yet effective supermarket hack from Nagi Maehashi, the culinary whiz behind the popular RecipeTin Eats blog.
Nagi's approach to cutting costs is refreshingly straightforward: she buys vegetables that are in season. 'Cook with the seasons, and you know what? It tastes better because it's in season,' she explains to 9honey Kitchen. This is a principle that many of us grew up with, but in today's global market, it's easy to forget that produce has a peak season. By choosing fruits and vegetables that are currently in abundance, you not only enjoy better flavor and freshness but also benefit from lower prices due to the higher supply.
Take, for example, the humble banana, which is available year-round and costs around $3.50 per kilogram. Compare this to raspberries, which are a summer delight and can cost a staggering $39.20 per kilogram when out of season. By opting for in-season produce, you can enjoy delicious, nutritious food without the hefty price tag.
Nagi also encourages shoppers not to shy away from the 'imperfect picks.' Those wonky carrots and oddly shaped tomatoes? They taste just as good as their picture-perfect counterparts. 'They just look a little bit scrappy on the outside, but there's nothing wrong with that,' she reassures us. Embracing these less-than-perfect options not only saves you money but also helps reduce food waste—a win-win for your wallet and the planet.
Another cost-saving strategy Nagi shares is making meals from scratch, such as her 20-minute pizza recipe. Homemade pizza is not only a crowd-pleaser but also incredibly economical. 'It would probably cost $3, $4, with the amount of flour, and you get so much out of it,' she says. Plus, making your own pizza allows you to control the ingredients, ensuring a healthier meal with less oil—a significant consideration given the rising cost of kitchen staples like cooking oil.
'Everybody loves pizza,' Nagi adds, and she's not wrong. It's a versatile dish that can be topped with whatever in-season veggies you have on hand, along with a sprinkle of cheese and a simple tomato sauce. And when it comes to the dough, a teaspoon or two of oil is all you need, making it a low-fat option for those watching their intake.
Nagi Maehashi's approach to grocery shopping and cooking is a testament to the power of simplicity and resourcefulness. By following her advice, you can enjoy delicious, healthy meals while keeping your grocery bills in check. So next time you're at the supermarket, take a moment to consider what's in season and give those imperfect veggies a chance. Your taste buds and your budget will thank you.
We'd love to hear from you, our savvy Seniors Discount Club members! Have you tried any of these tips from Nagi Maehashi? Do you have any of your own cost-saving strategies when it comes to grocery shopping and meal preparation? Share your experiences and advice in the comments below, and let's help each other make the most of our grocery budgets!
Nagi's approach to cutting costs is refreshingly straightforward: she buys vegetables that are in season. 'Cook with the seasons, and you know what? It tastes better because it's in season,' she explains to 9honey Kitchen. This is a principle that many of us grew up with, but in today's global market, it's easy to forget that produce has a peak season. By choosing fruits and vegetables that are currently in abundance, you not only enjoy better flavor and freshness but also benefit from lower prices due to the higher supply.
Take, for example, the humble banana, which is available year-round and costs around $3.50 per kilogram. Compare this to raspberries, which are a summer delight and can cost a staggering $39.20 per kilogram when out of season. By opting for in-season produce, you can enjoy delicious, nutritious food without the hefty price tag.
Nagi Maehashi from RecipeTin Eats saves money on groceries by purchasing seasonal vegetables. Credit: Instagram / Nagi & Dozer - RecipeTin Eats
Nagi also encourages shoppers not to shy away from the 'imperfect picks.' Those wonky carrots and oddly shaped tomatoes? They taste just as good as their picture-perfect counterparts. 'They just look a little bit scrappy on the outside, but there's nothing wrong with that,' she reassures us. Embracing these less-than-perfect options not only saves you money but also helps reduce food waste—a win-win for your wallet and the planet.
Another cost-saving strategy Nagi shares is making meals from scratch, such as her 20-minute pizza recipe. Homemade pizza is not only a crowd-pleaser but also incredibly economical. 'It would probably cost $3, $4, with the amount of flour, and you get so much out of it,' she says. Plus, making your own pizza allows you to control the ingredients, ensuring a healthier meal with less oil—a significant consideration given the rising cost of kitchen staples like cooking oil.
'Everybody loves pizza,' Nagi adds, and she's not wrong. It's a versatile dish that can be topped with whatever in-season veggies you have on hand, along with a sprinkle of cheese and a simple tomato sauce. And when it comes to the dough, a teaspoon or two of oil is all you need, making it a low-fat option for those watching their intake.
Nagi Maehashi's approach to grocery shopping and cooking is a testament to the power of simplicity and resourcefulness. By following her advice, you can enjoy delicious, healthy meals while keeping your grocery bills in check. So next time you're at the supermarket, take a moment to consider what's in season and give those imperfect veggies a chance. Your taste buds and your budget will thank you.
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