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Well first off, I have to say I am very sad that my local farmers market is about to close for the season. This would have been the first place to go to purchase food on a dime. It is unfortunate, for many reasons, but especially because now I have to actually work to search out my local farmer. However, I went through the same thing last year and now know someone who grows the lovely seasonal foods I crave. And things in season are always the cheapest things to buy.
Greens - Lettuce, Spinach, Kale, Mustard Greens, Turnip Greens and really all hardy greens are in season now and cost pennies to purchase. Plus you could probably find a farmer who will just give this stuff to you, if he has a lot growing. Now I know what you are all thinking…Yuck! So let me give you my special recipe that makes everything taste better. Make sure you boil the hardy greens first.
Elixir of Deliciousness =
- ½ Cup Olive Oil
- 1 Whole Lemon Juiced
- ¼ Cup Tamari or low sodium soy sauce
- ¼ Cup Water
- 1 Clove Garlic minced
- 1tsp ginger minced
- 2 Table Spoons Tahini (made from sesame seeds purchased at any local grocery)
If using on boiled greens, substitute 1/8 Cup Apple Cider Vinegar for Tahini
Blend until smooth and add or delete ingredients to taste.
Ok so now you all know my secret, so you better eat those greens!
Rice – Rice is the most consumed staple in the world. The processing of rice removes much of its nutritional value, so that’s why I purchase brown rice. Many rice producers enrich white rice with vitamins. When you go to the grocery store many rice products say “enriched” on the packaging. Even after enrichment whole brown rice is still more nutritional. I buy my rice in 25 pound bags and store it in my pantry in an old popcorn tin for around $1.00 per pound.
Oatmeal – Oatmeal is another staple of my diet that I buy in bulk and keep in my pantry in an old popcorn tin. The last time I bought oatmeal I shared a 50 lb bag with a friend and paid 11 dollars for my half. Never underestimate the power of oatmeal. And it makes great cookies.
Potatoes – Potatoes are what I grew up eating. My mother cooked a potato probably every night, and I still love them to this day, any variety in any meal. Right now Sweet potatoes are in season and they are cheap. I just bought a 50 pound box for $20. If kept undisturbed in a cool dark place potatoes will last 1-2 months.
Beans & Legumes - I grew up eating beans, specifically pinto beans the most affordable of all beans at 77 cents per pound. Beans are packed full of dietary fiber and a cup of cooked beans can contain more than a quarter of your daily recommended protein. Dried beans bought in bulk will last up to 2 years.
Eggs – Eggs are another wonderful source of protein. One egg can hold as much as five grams of protein. At my local grocery store a dozen eggs cost $2.50. Omelets and quiche make great dinner entrees.
Fruit – Apples, bananas and oranges are full of vitamins and antioxidants. Fruits are considerably cheaper during peak harvest season, but apples, bananas, and oranges are relatively inexpensive year round. Or, next year you can do what I do and pick your own blueberries to fill your freezer. Blueberries are one of the top nutrient rich foods and when you pick them yourself, they cost approximately $3.00 per pound. A pound of blueberries is a lot of berries.
Popcorn – Popcorn cost about $1.50 a bag, and I’m talking the kind you pop yourself. Nothing fancy is needed. I use a stockpot some oil and a lid. A word from the wise, don’t try and make too much at one time, the lid doesn’t pop off like on TV, it just burns.
Vegetables – Carrots & onions especially, are two of nature’s nutrient powerhouses and can be purchased for about 50 cents a pound. I don’t buy carrots in bulk, but you better believe I do onions. I bought a 50 pound bag of onions for $25.00 and shared it with a friend. Onions can be stored for several months in a cool, dry, dark place. I sneak onions into just about every dish I make.
Water – Water is one of the key building blocks of health. Replacing soft drinks and high calorie sugary drinks is one of the best things you can do for your health. Water is practically free and will save you on your waistline and in your wallet.
Let me just end here by saying, I am not a vegetarian. I like meat, but a great way to save bucks and improve health is to make a few meals each week vegetarian. Think about it, give it a try.
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Ladybug McGreen's Blog 
