Mary Ann's Blog
To Market to Market….Plan Before You Go
April 17, 2020
Social distancing has been a challenge when grocery shopping. It has forced us to change the way we shop, and maybe for a long time. Thinking long and hard about this, I decided that I needed to strategize a plan that works. This may not work for you but this is what I do.
Make a plan before you leave home as to what you need. That means looking in your fridge, pantry and freezer to take stock and think about menu ideas that your family loves. Then decide what day of the week and what time the store would be less crowded. Stay away if you can from weekends. If you are a senior citizen, inquire about senior-only hours with your local store. Call the store ahead of time and ask when deliveries are made and when they restock so you won’t be disappointed. Next make sure you have your mask and gloves and keeping hand sanitizer in the car is a good thing too. Plan on hitting the fresh produce and meat aisles first, then the frozen section last.
Buying fresh vegetables and fruits with a long shelf life is probably a good idea right now.
Vegetables
1) Bunch celery: take out of plastic sleeve and wrap in foil
2) Red cabbage, green cabbage, take out of plastic wrapping; wrap in paper towel and then in plastic bag
3) Beets, wrap in foil
4) Onions (keep refrigerated) will last longer than 2 weeks
5) Brussels sprouts (wrap in bunches in paper towels then in plastic bag
6) Acorn and butternut squashes does not need foil or paper. Keep in a cool, dark place
7) Whole heads cauliflower and broccoli, wrap in paper towels and then place in plastic bags
8) Carrots and parsnips, wrap in paper towels and then plastic bags
9) Sweet potatoes, all-purpose potatoes, keep in mesh bag in cool, dark place
10) Avocado (keep refrigerated)
11) Brussels sprouts (wrap in paper towels and then in plastic bags
12) Rutabaga, keep in a dark place
13) Artichokes, wrap in paper towel and then in plastic bags
14) Radishes, wrap in bunches in paper towel, then in plastic bag
Fruit that can keep for at least a week or more include:
1) Pineapple
2) Melons
3) Oranges
4) Apples
5) Bosc Pears
Extend the life of fragile fruits like raspberries by taking them out of the carton and placing them in a container lined with paper towels in single layers. They will not mold. Do the same for blackberries and strawberries.
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