January 08, 2009
Zahra Ali Syed suggests some simple ways to beat the food crises
Let’s face it; the whole world is going through a riotous food-price crisis. The best way to cope is to face it!
Large sum of our budget is spent every month on food items; before we know it, the budget is out of control and we either spend too much or we end up compromising on the quality and quantity of food that our families require.
In both cases a little planning and some simple steps can help ease the burden without compromising on the quality of life.
BUY SMART
Always keep your self updated with the changing prices of food items. Your shop keeper might be selling at a higher rate than the market in the next neighbourhood.
Make a list and stick to it
• Check for expiry dates. An item may be marked down because it’s close to expiry
• Buy in bulk. Buying in small quantities throughout the month costs twice as much, apart from increased fuel and time cost.
• Keep an eye open for discounts and special offers
• Keep a record of the bills. This will help you evaluate your monthly food cost
• Do a survey of local stores in your area; communicate with friends about different stores and their prices. You may be surprised to find high quality at cheap rates in small, low-profile stores.
STORAGE
Storing and saving food is an art in itself. Here are some ideas:
• Slice, dice or chop your vegetables, blanch them and freeze in trays for few hours. Then transfer them in air tight bags and refrigerate for two-three weeks. This comes in handy if you buy vegetables in bulk
• Make puree out of tomatoes and freeze
• Meat and chicken can be stored for weeks without any hesitation. You can always make portions and freeze in separate bags
• Use an old ice-tray to freeze ginger and garlic paste; you can use it a cube at a time
• A good quality airtight container goes a long way. Herbs and spices can be stored in these for easy use.
COOK SMART
• Buy fresh poultry rather than the pre-frozen packs. It’s cost effective and probably healthier, too. As a bonus you can ask your butcher to pack those bones left over from boneless cut chicken pieces to make stock to use in cooking rice, lentils, vegetables or soups
• Pickles, jams and chutnies can be made at home. Rope in the kids, and maybe even hubby, to clean and chop the vegetables and experiment with different varieties
• Don’t throw away leftovers. Exercise your ingenuity and try to come up with interesting combinations• One can make potato, vegetable or lentil burgers instead of beef or chicken; they are equally delicious, healthier and definitely cheaper
• You can learn to use less oil while cooking; it will not only be better for your health but also your budget.
• Go back to the old-fashioned way; replace tea bags with tea leaves. Yes, it will be a bit of a hassle but after a while you’ll realise that this makes a far more delicious cup of tea
The list can go on and on… once you get in the habit of keeping an eye on your budget, you will automatically find ways to save the pennies.
Happy budgeting !
