Think carefully before buying specials and deals and be confident you will be making a saving not creating food waste.
A smart shopper will also be aware of tempting two-for-one deals, buying in bulk and the benefits of buying produce that is in season.
Two-for-one deals
There are always plenty of tempting specials and deals at the supermarket – 'two-for-one' and 'buy-two-get-one-free' deals. Sometimes these deals can be great value, provided they are what you are looking for and you know you will be able to use them in time!
You can take advantage of specials by making double and storing half in the freezer.
Think carefully before buying ‘specials’ and ‘deals’ and be confident you really will be making a saving, not creating more food waste that will end up in the bin.
Buying in bulk
By buying in bulk, when it is available and practical, you will reduce your consumption of packaging, and save you time and money.
Buying in bulk is a great option if you know you use a lot of one type of product. Bulk buying means you will need enough space in your fridge, freezer or cupboard to store the items in the right condition, so you can consume them before their use-by date.
Purchase fruit and vegetables that are in season
Buying local and seasonal foods supports local growers and cuts transport of food from interstate and overseas.
Buying seasonally also means fruit and vegetables are naturally more delicious and often cheaper due to their abundance – it is a win-win for you, the grower and the environment!
Have you explored your local Farmer’s Market lately? Check out when your next Farmers Market is on.
Here are the fruit and vegetables you should look out for each season:
Summer (December – February)
Fruit
apricots, bananas, berries, cherries, figs, grapes, limes, lychees, mangoes, melons, nectarines, oranges, passionfruit, peaches, pears, pineapple, plums.
Vegetables
asparagus, avocados, beans, capsicum, celery, cucumbers, eggplant, lettuce, onions, peas, potatoes, radish, squash, sweet corn, tomatoes, zucchini.
Autumn (March – May)
Fruit
apple, banana, custard apple, fig, grape, guava, kiwi fruit, lemon, lime, orange, passionfruit, pear, plum, pomegranate, rhubarb and quince.
Vegetables
Asian green, avocado, beans, broccoli, Brussels sprout, cabbage, capsicum, carrot, cauliflower, cucumber, eggplant, fennel, leek, lettuce, mushroom, onion, parsnip, potato, pumpkin, spinach, sweet corn, sweet potato, tomato, turnip and zucchini.
Winter (June – August)
Fruit
apple, custard apple, grapefruit, kiwi fruit, lemon, lime, mandarin, orange, passionfruit, pear, quince and rhubarb.
Vegetables
avocado, beetroot, broccoli, Brussels sprout, cabbage, carrot, cauliflower, celeriac, celery, fennel, leek, olive, onion, parsnip, potato, pumpkin, silverbeet, spinach, swede, sweet potato and turnip.
Spring (September – November)
Fruit
apple, banana, berries, cherry, grapefruit, lemon, mandarin, mango, melon, orange, papaya, passionfruit, paw paw, pineapple, pomelo.
Vegetables
artichokes, Asian greens, asparagus, beans, beetroot, broccoli, carrot, cauliflower, chillies, cucumber, garlic, lettuce, mushroom, onion, pea, potatoes, silverbeet, spinach, sweet corn, tomato and zucchini.
This is by no means an extensive list but it provides a good guide to get you started with your seasonal food purchases. Some parts of NSW will have different seasonal availabilities. Ask your local greengrocer if you would like to know what is in season in your area. For more information about individual fruits and vegetables please visit Go for 2&5®
Useful Links:
Go for 2&5®
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