While some people can't appreciate the taste of vegetables, most people love the natural sweetness of fresh fruit. Plus, fruit has so many positive health benefits that it should be a part of any healthy, balanced diet. Unfortunately, fruit can be expensive especially if you're grocery shopping on a limited budget. How can you add more fruit to your family's diet without spending too much of your hard earned money? Here's how to eat more fruit without breaking the budget.
Pick Your Own
A great way to buy fruit inexpensively and entertain your family at the same time is to visit a pick-your-own fruit farm. There are a variety of these farms across the country that will allow you to pick your own fruit for a low price. You save because you do the work which can provide an afternoon of entertainment particularly if you have kids. You'll return home with all the fruit you can handle for far less than you'd pay at the supermarket. To find a pick-your-own fruit farm near you, visit pickyourown.org.
Freeze It in Season
You'll pass less for fruit when you buy seasonally. Keep track of which fruits are in season and buy them in quantity. Freeze what you can't currently use. Frozen fruits can be stored in the freezer up to a year and still maintain their taste. When you're ready to serve, simply pop a package out of the freezer and thaw. You can also make fresh fruit jams and jellies to freeze for later use.
Get a Dehydrator
When you buy large quantities of fruit in season, a dehydrator allows you to dry fruits and store them for later use. This gives you a ready source of dried fruit for granola packs, cereals, and quick energy snacks. You can also rehydrate them by adding water at a later date for use in recipes. Why not prepare dried fruit in your dehydrator, mix with nuts, package them in pretty tins, and give them as holiday gifts this season?
Buy Fruit that's Beginning to Turn
If you have a dehydrator you can buy fruit that's past its prime and dry it for use as snacks, additions to hot cereal, for energy packs, and to create delicious granola. You should be able to save significantly by buying fruit that's reached its peak.
Grow It
Consider planting a fruit tree now so you'll have a source of fruit for years to come. This can really pay off. If you plant an apple tree, imagine all of the apple pies, applesauce, apple butter, apple jelly, and baked apple dessert you'll be able to make. Plus, you'll know they're free of pesticides.
Barter with a Neighbor
Do your neighbors have fruit trees in their yard? If you have a vegetable garden or grow plants in your yard, see if you can exchange your produce for fruit from their trees. This is a win-win situation for both parties. You can also bake something for them in exchange for fruit.
Buy Locally
You can often get good deals on fruit at your local farmer's market. Don't forget to buy local!
If you want to eat fresh fruit on a budget, give some of these money saving tips a try. It's a great way to eat healthier and reduce your grocery bill at the same time.
