The freshest, brightest and juiciest fruits and vegetables can become a health hazard if not washed and cleaned properly. From strains of viruses that can be active on the surface of produce, to traces of insecticides and pesticides that can be found on fresh produce even after it is washed with plain water, your fresh produce can be home to high-risk substances that you would never otherwise expose your family to.

 

To wash off the pesticides, insecticides, viruses and bacteria on the surface of fresh produce, you can get veggie wash from the store. Most of these are equipped to wash fresh produce to make them chemical and virus free. However, these solutions can be very costly, especially over a period of time.

 

An easy and convenient way of ridding your vegetables and fruits of the chemicals, wax and virus on the surface is by soaking them in salt water. Take a spoon full of table salt, mix it in half a bucket of water and soak your veggies for about 30 minutes. After half an hour, take the fruits and veggies out of salt water, rinse them well in running water to wash off the salt. Dry them in the open and store. Make sure you drain off the water before storing them in the refrigerator, or the fruits and vegetables will wilt, worse go bad sooner.

 

Another great way to sanitize and clean your fresh produce is by making a natural veggie wash at home. It’s simple, quick and all natural. Best part, you will probably find all of these things in your pantry.

 

Things required:

1-liter distilled water

200 ml white vinegar

Half teaspoon lemon essential oil

Dark glass spray bottle

 

Mix all the ingredients in a container and mix well. Pour the solution-mix in the glass spray bottles.

 

Dark colored glass bottle is recommended since vinegar can react with plastic over time, and a transparent bottle allows light through which can alter the properties of the lemon essential oil. Once you pour the solution in the bottle, store it in a dry, dark place, like inside a cabinet. To use the solution, spray it over the fresh produce. Make sure the veggies are completely drenched in the solution. Keep the veggies aside for 10 minutes, then rinse well. Dry the veggies and store.

 

Get your kitchen supplies with coupons from GeoQpons. Download the app to get the latest coupons and deals for over 300 stores across America.

 

As per various studies conducted, consuming home-cooked meals on a regular basis makes a person heathier, both physically and mentally. Home cooked meals also decrease the consumption of unnecessary sugar and saturated fats that are added to take-out meals and processed foods. You would be surprised to know that home cooked meals help you save on a lot of time. If you spend a little time and effort on planning and freezing food even one day in a week, you’ll be able to work quick meals throughout the week. Not to mention, this would be a whole lot easier on your wallet as compared to takeout.

 

That said, not everyone has the time to plan and cook meals on a daily basis. Which is why a stocked-up pantry and frozen food can be the savior. In this post we will take you through the detailed procedure of storing frozen food that will save you tons of time and money, and provide you with almost instant healthy home-cooked meals.

 

Pro tip – When storing food in the freezer, store the equivalent of the quantity you will need for one meal in one bag and make bags for the entire week like wise. This will help you take out what you need without disturbing the rest. Use zip-lock bags for best results.

 

Vegetables

Use veggies for salads, stews, pot meals, casseroles and on the sides of meat preparations.   

 

Vegetables that can be chopped and stored in the freezer

 

·         Bell peppers (sliced or diced)

·         Onions (chopped or diced, both red and white)

·         Zucchini (diced, grated or noodle cut)

·         Carrots (chopped)

·         Broccoli (cut for salads and cooked dishes)

·         Green beans (chopped)

·         Cauliflower (cut for salads and cooked dishes)

·         Corn (on the cob and kernels)

·         Celery (cut)

·         Spinach (raw or parboiled)

·         Peas (pods)

·         Sweet potato (par boiled and sliced)

·         Pumpkin (pureed)

 

 

Buy high quality fresh vegetables from 99 Ranch Market.  Avail discount coupons  to save on your purchase.

 

Breads, cookies and doughs

You’ll be surprised as to how well baked food stays in the freezer. You take it out, thaw and warm it, your bread will be as soft and good as new. Stock-up your freezer with these:

 

·         Loaf of bread

·         Tortillas

·         Buns

·         Bread roll

·         Pita bread

·         Naan bread

·         Pizza base

 

Get breads, cookies and different doughs at 99 Ranch Market at reasonable prices. Use coupons  for further savings.

 

Dough 

·         Pizza dough

·         Cookie dough

·         Bread dough

 

Baked treats 

·         Cookies

·         Brownies

·         Cheesecake

·         Pies

·         Cake

·         Cup cake

 

Breakfast 

·         English muffins

·         Pancakes

·         Waffles

·         French toast

 

Condiments, accompaniments and add-ons 

·         Chocolate chips

·         Marshmallows

·         Shredded or grated coconut

·         Peanut butter chips

·         Breadcrumbs

·         Nuts

·         Candies

·         Jams and fruit preserves

·         Broth

·         Tomato puree

·         Herbs

·         Citrus zest

 

Fresh fruits

Storing fresh fruits is a great idea. Thawed fruits can be great with meals. You can also make milk shake or smoothie bags wherein each bag can contain the ingredients of smoothie for the day. When you feel like having your smoothie, just take the bag out, blend the contents of the bag and you’re good to go.

·         Berries

·         Cherries

·         Grapes (take the stem off)

·         Watermelon (only as sorbet)

·         Banana (peeled)

·         Lemons

·         Apples (cot and sprinkle it with a pinch of salt and a few drops of lemon to keep them from getting brown)

·         Peaches

·         Pineapples (diced or cut into slices)

 

 

Get a great selection of fresh fruits  at 99 Ranch Market. Use coupons  for further savings.

 

Meat 

·         Ham (sliced)

·         Ground beef

·         Chicken (diced, breasts, thighs or whole chicken)

·         Chicken (boiled and shredded)

·         Turkey (diced, sliced or whole)

·         Deli meat

·         Burger patties

·         Bacon

·         Fish

·         Shrimp, scallops

·         Crab, lobster

·         Meat balls

·         Pork (loin)

·         Sausages

 

Get the juiciest, softest and freshest meats at 99 Ranch Market at unbelievably low prices. Use coupons for further savings.

 

For smart shopping that gives you savings every time you shop, download the GeoQpons app that gives you access to the best deals and discounts in over 300 stores across America.