Cost-Conscious Tips to Make the Most of Seasonal Produce From Chef Justin Timineri
In partnership with: Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
When it comes to food purchases, some things are simply beyond our control, including fluctuating prices, inflation and the supply chain. But there are ways to make the most of what we buy. Justin Timineri, executive chef and culinary ambassador for the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, offers these tips for saving money while eating fresh and local.
Familiarize yourself with what’s in season.
Understand the time of year produce is at its peak. In Florida, peak season for most produce is winter and spring. Delicious strawberries, citrus and leafy greens are at peak in winter months and sweet corn, blueberries and watermelon are plentiful in spring. Many other products have longer seasons and are available from November through May, such as tomatoes, bell peppers, snap beans and squash. Produce tends to cost less when it’s more plentiful and hasn’t traveled far during shipment. With farms in every county, Floridians are never far from fresh produce.
See more: Fresh From Florida Membership Program Offers Key Marketing Benefits for Ag Industry
Plan a seasonal menu.
“When I go shopping, I’m not thinking of one particular recipe. I’m thinking of three different things that I can turn that produce into,” Timineri says.
When making a list, put your knowledge of seasonal foods to work. Select fresh items to prepare – not just for dinner – but to use in delicious leftovers for breakfast and packed lunches.
“Americans waste almost 30% of what they buy at the grocery store, and that’s a lot of money every year,” he says. “So, it’s super important to have a plan.”
For menu inspiration, check store circulars online before shopping or grab one when you enter the store. Circulars often feature markdowns on seasonal produce. Don’t forget to look for the “Fresh From Florida” logo in circulars and in stores.
Store fresh vegetables, fruits and herbs with care.
Place berries in a sealed glass container to extend their shelf life. Trim the bottoms of broccoli stems, put them in a shallow bowl of water in the fridge and cover the tops. Keep fresh produce properly wrapped and rotated, pulling out any small piece that goes bad before it ruins the whole bunch.
This becomes even more important when buying in bulk, another cost-conscious strategy for families who like to shop less frequently.
See more: Why You Should Join the Fresh From Florida Club
Label produce with freshness dates before storing it in the fridge.
That way, you’ll know what to use first and what can wait a bit.
“We have great charts on our website that let us know how long we can expect certain things to last when stored properly in our refrigerator or pantry,” Timineri says.
Join the “Fresh From Florida” Club.
Building on the informative “Fresh From Florida” website, club membership offers a wealth of ideas via a monthly newsletter. Hand-selected recipes are paired with seasonal offerings grown in Florida, while tips on everything from local U-pick farms to cooking shortcuts arrive in members’ inboxes 12 times a year.
“It’s super cool because it not only brings extra awareness to what’s in season, but also gives everybody a seasonal feel of what recipes they can use with those things,” Timineri says. “All that information is generally on our website, but the club narrows it down specifically into this wonderful monthly feature. And on top of that, there are fun things like giveaways to get people excited about the wonderful stuff that we grow and how to cook with it.”
You can also follow “Fresh From Florida” on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Pinterest for more seasonal recipes and tips.
Maximizing seasonal foods is a smart way to shop, cook and eat, Timineri reiterates. “There are lots of little strategies that I employ, and that I want people to employ, to get the most out of what they do purchase. I think that’s the key,” he says.
For recipes, helpful produce tips and charts, more cost-saving strategies or to join the “Fresh From Florida” Club, visit followfreshfromflorida.com.