Keep Your Produce Fresh for Weeks! And Other Money-Saving Grocery Hacks | Amy of The Cross Legacy
If you have seen the viral strawberries in a jar hack, then you know who Amy is! A couple of years ago, Amy shared her best tip for keeping berries fresh in the fridge for three weeks, and she took the world by storm. She has built her business on teaching families how to effectively store and use the groceries they bring into their homes, thus saving money and cutting down on food waste. If you find yourself constantly throwing away wilted greens or soft berries, join us for this discussion on all things groceries!
In this episode, we cover:
- Amy’s viral hack for keeping strawberries fresh for three weeks
- The reality of food waste in the majority of American households
- How to keep greens fresh in the fridge for weeks
- How you can only go to the grocery story every three weeks
- A balanced approach to meal planning that allows for flexibility and seasonality
- Keeping track of what is in your freezer and making sure you use it all in time
- A detailed look at budgeting for your groceries throughout the entire year
- How to make whole food snacks a staple in your home
- Is grocery delivery worth it?
- Sourcing and budgeting for high quality meat
- Making protein go a long way in nourishing your family
Thank you to our sponsors!
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ABOUT AMY
Amy is an urban homesteader who teaches her audiences how to care for their produce and reduce food waste. As the Founder and CEO of The Cross Legacy, she has made it her mission to share her food hacks through social media. Her content has been featured in publications around the world and her viral Strawberries in a Jar hack has been shared over 18 million times.
Amy helps families and communities save money on groceries - most notably by eating what they buy. The average American household throws away 30 to 40% of the food they purchase. To help combat this issue, she wrote a bestselling eBook, I Bought It, Now What? which outlines her directions for how to wash and store produce items so that they will last for weeks. At a time when our food costs are the highest, it is so imperative that food waste statistics trend downward. This starts in the family home. An accomplished speaker, author, and influencer, the information Amy shares helps families save money, reduce food waste, and be able to afford fresh produce.
RESOURCES
I Bought It, Now What? eBook: thecrosslegacy.com/book/
The Grocery Solution Course: thecrosslegacy.com/thegrocery...
Easy Vegan Dinner Mexican Quinoa Recipe: thecrosslegacy.com/easy-vegan...
Classic Lemon Bars - Allergy & Diabetic Friendly: thecrosslegacy.com/lemon-bars/
CONNECT
Amy Cross of The Cross Legacy
Website: thecrosslegacy.com/
Instagram: / thecrosslegacy
KZread: / thecrosslegacy
Facebook: / thecrosslegacy
Pinterest: / thecrosslegacy
Amazon: www.amazon.com/shop/thecrossl...
LinkedIn: / amy-cross-583a16238
TikTok: / amycrosslegacy
Lisa Bass of Farmhouse on Boone
Blog: www.farmhouseonboone.com/
KZread: / farmhouseonboone
Instagram: / farmhouseonboone
TikTok: / farmhouseonboone
Facebook: / farmhouseonboone
Pinterest: / _created
Join us in the Simple Farmhouse Life Facebook community: / 748012922264552
GET MORE FROM THIS EPISODE
Listen to this podcast episode:
View full show notes on the blog: simplefarmhouselifepodcast.co...
Пікірлер: 185
I love how Amy was uplifting and energized. Lisa looked and answered a bit shallow and not so in to it. Maybe just allot on her mind! But important to be when interviewing someones passion.
My late mom would put the lettuce in a baggy then put a wet paper towel on top of the lettuce. Squeeze the air out of the bag, close and refrigerate. You'll be amazed how long it last. With a little practice you can vacuum the baggie with a straw and seal it using your breath....lungs...you know. Put the straw in the bag and suck the air out. Zip the baggie closed.
@Simplefarmhouselife
Жыл бұрын
great tip!
I would find another source than the world economic forum for food waste stats. They can't wait for us to eat bugs. However it's a very interesting conversation! Love that she became a shopper for research
@TheCrossLegacy
Жыл бұрын
Yes I agree, it was a source that was encouraged when I was prepping for my tedtalk. For years it has been claimed that the average family throws away 40% of what they purchase which is still an incredibly high number especially with food cost being so shocking right now.
@christianilovegod
Жыл бұрын
I Agree would never use them as a reliable source, sorry that was a turn off to me.
We freeze store bought milk all of the time. Make sure the plastic jug has a round indented area so the jug can expand in the freezer without cracking the plastic. We take it out of the freezer, put it in the sink for a few hours to let it defrost and then into the refrigerator on a folded dish towel to protect the glass shelves. We have done this for years and it is very convenient.
@mum2jka
Жыл бұрын
Yeah we've frozen milk before and either defrosted in sink or fridge. We put a towel underneath in the fridge because there is quite a buildup of ice on the outside.
My jaw drops with an audible gasp, and at 69 years I've just learned my 3rd new thing (fruit flies) and we're nowhere near through this video! Thanks for teaching this old dog some new tricks!
I am so impressed that you only grocery shop every three weeks on a budget, that is incredible! I would love to be able to do that. It would save money for sure!
@TheCrossLegacy
Жыл бұрын
We show all of my grocery hauls on Instagram and post daily.
@hummingbird275
Жыл бұрын
@@TheCrossLegacy. AWESOME ❗️
I have found that if I put a paper towel in the bread or bun bag before they go in the freezer they stay soft and don't dry out as badly
I wouldn’t trust ANYTHING the WEF says. Anyway, lovely podcast. I am so grateful to hear how to make my fruits last longer. Blessings ❤️
@scarlettstott7570
11 ай бұрын
I'm with you there, but sometimes it helps to use a conventional source to make a statistic
@eaglea657
11 ай бұрын
WEF OMG today at church gentleman i was speaking to believes in Bigfoot😳 and yet did not know who WEF was 😂
@lilaschwarz6014
6 ай бұрын
To me, it looks like Lisa is having a cold and despite that pulling through the interview.
Yes, I used to freeze milk too, in the plastic jugs, but you have to pour off a little first so that the jugs don’t bulge out and burst. Then, when you thaw it out, you often times have to strain out the ice crystals. My family couldnt taste the difference! I did it when our kids were young and we went through a lot more milk then. Our food budget was $40 a week for a family of four in the late 1980’s and early 1990’s. I would shop the sales at 2 or 3 stores in order to stay on budget, but didn’t buy very many processed foods. Most of my friends spent around $100/week, so it was encouraging to know we didn’t have to spend a lot of money to eat well. Oh, and my husband hunted deer and elk and processed them ourselves when we needed to. Yes, stretching out meat dishes is key too. Ooo, egg bites, great idea! Loved all the great tips in this podcast!
Best cheap, easy, affordable snack is homemade yogurt in little 4 oz jars with plastic lids. I make a gallon a week, flavor, put a little frozen fruit in jars, fill and stick in drink fridge. Little kids self serve.
I ferment, can, and freeze to keep food longer. To add another saving process to my list is so appreciated. Thank you!
Just freeze , thaw in refrigerator, and shake very well . I also sometimes add dry milk powder to extend it if needed.
I don’t go thru milk and so I take pint glass jars an immediately devide the milk up . When a take it out, just shake it snd it’s perfect. I am an older single and so that works for me .
@Simplefarmhouselife
Жыл бұрын
good idea!
@believer2734
Жыл бұрын
Do you mean like a small mason jar with a canning lid and ring?
@Faye-bwa23
5 ай бұрын
Great idea. I'm going to start this. I'm a senior and live alone. I use the milk alternatives, but even out buying smallest container, so much is wasted.
Thank you for all the tips to make fresh produce last longer in the fridge.
I do grocery pick up, no extra cost but I’m not wondering the aisles. It saves me a lot. I do have to say no substitutions due to needing gluten free so sometimes I can’t always get what I want.
I've been freezing milk for 18 years with only 3 minor leaking plastic jugs. That's raw milk(when we could get it in the plastic jugs)and organic milk. If you only have glass, ask some friends to save the plastic jugs for you to use.♥️
I love this! We live in the boonies and try not to go to town more than once a month. Super helpful! Thanks.
Well DARN I've learned a lot from this video! We're not too bad when it comes to food waste, but we're transitioning to a homestead way of life (renos, selling/buying etc) and it's highlighted a few areas of improvement! Glad to watch this.. will probably watch again 😂
LOVE this vlog! I went directly to Amy’s website about halfway through (still listening though 😉) and am so happy to have found her!! After 60 years of living, I am still learning new things and it makes me happy! One thing we do, that many do, is make double or more of a meal and freeze the rest for future meals or last minute “I am too tired to cook” meals. Thank you so much for this!
My 7 year old great grandson was at my house for breakfast a few mornings ago. He LOVES pancakes ( I never buy pancake mix or syrup) . He was so excited and said “ I didn’t know Grannie Great could “ make syrup and pancakes, too “. Today is the first time I have seen your video, & have already subscribed . You have so much knowledge ( to be so young). I am an “ Old Timer,& I am learning so much from you “. 👍🏼 ♥️
@Simplefarmhouselife
Жыл бұрын
Thank you so much!
@paulahastings7865
Жыл бұрын
How do you make syrup?
I think kids think with their tummies, so consequently they see food and want to eat it. Lol. I have been strategic with food buying. It's taken 30 years. (No, I'm not 30). I use my crock pot ALOT just so that I can know that dinner will be there. I meal plan. But now that I buy our meats from farms, I plan around our meats (or no meat meals). I keep canned goods and spices in bulk on hand. At any given time we can eat fine for well over a month. I also keep key ingredients on hand for breakfasts and lunches. I take a two hour time frame and flip through my recipe books. We were having food fatigue because I would fall back on the same 8 meals. So, now I list my meals in a planner. I space the meals out, and if I'd like I can repeat the entire year the next and no one will know. Lol. Summer I don't use the crock as much. We do maybe lighter or easier meals then. Initially looking through my cook books took hours. But I have moved past the hard work now. I listed ingredients for each meal so I can just look and see if we have them on hand and move on. It's been a great system for this large family and now I have less anxiety about meals😊.
This was a real eye-opener!
Have the guest look into whole grain milling. Dr Dennis Burkitt found the natives of Africa had not our common disease unless they became educated an introduced to refined grains and sugars.
Amazing episode!! Thanks for sharing all this knowledge❤
@Simplefarmhouselife
Жыл бұрын
Our pleasure!
Amy is absolutely adorable!! What a great subject, she has such great info!! Just loved her!!
@TheCrossLegacy
Жыл бұрын
Oh thank you ❤
@delder8626
Жыл бұрын
@@TheCrossLegacy ❌
@delder8626
Жыл бұрын
No but BB. W no.
Loved this! So much good info! I also appreciate the sweet demeanor that both you ladies have! Thank you :)
@TheCrossLegacy
Жыл бұрын
Awe ❤❤❤❤ thank you
@hummingbird275
Жыл бұрын
Oh yes, for sure ♥️♥️
I swear I could watch your videos 24-7! You have such a calming voice and you make me believe that at 80 years old I can change a lot of things very easily. Thank you so much 😊
Loving your podcast. I have to go back and watch some of the older ones ,,🥰🥰🥰🥰
What an incredible story! I really enjoyed this podcast!!!
I do grocery shopping myself because I love clearance shopping.
Instacart is sooo expensive but when hubby’s out of town and I have a autoimmune flare it beats hauling three kids around for an hour. Walmart delivery is cheaper.
@Not_a_witch
Жыл бұрын
You could also order online and have them put the groceries in you car
I hope you still get around to the fostering topic, I love hearing about that.
What a sweet guest! I look forward to learning more bc we are also GF....off to find the Mexican quinoa for starters.
So much great ideas! Thank you for sharing them with us. ❤😊
Wow!!! This is such a great topic and game changer. I'm really interested in trying a lot of these methods. Thank you Amy and Lisa for this wonderful podcast. ❤😊
@TheCrossLegacy
Жыл бұрын
I'm glad it was helpful! I'd love to hear how things go once you try it.
❤ looking forward to this! I love to it in bulk and not visit the supermarket too often!
We have started putting all our produce in glass canning jars & the difference has been truly AMAZING! Only way we will do it now!
@KeikoBushnell
Жыл бұрын
Skip the jar it's pointless. Just wash and dry
@KeikoBushnell
Жыл бұрын
If anything a sealed container could create condensation which is why she says to use a paper towel so you're better off just having it loose in the fridge where it will stay dry
@lindapearson2376
Жыл бұрын
@@KeikoBushnell maybe for you, but I have seen wonderful results! I will continue!
@hummingbird275
Жыл бұрын
@@KeikoBushnell. Whatever 🙄, she is just graciously sharing her method with us. It appears to be working great for her.👍🏼
@hummingbird275
Жыл бұрын
@@KeikoBushnell🙄
Fun interview with Amy! I need her book!
Great episode! I learned so much. Thanks Amy and Lisa. 🎉
@Simplefarmhouselife
27 күн бұрын
Our pleasure!
When she said "soak for 15 ".. I knew who she was talking about😂
Before I started growing veggie.s and canning., I felt I was frugal..but now that we are empty nesters..I’m really frugal on plenty..everything in the house ..we spend maybe 300$ on groceries and I cook small and that I had to learn ..I would always cook big ..so I had to relearn to cook using measuring cups..lol ..but I feel I do better and yes I reuse left over in another meal…plus I use shelf stable milk.or powdered milk
And what about using sun oven in summer?? It works great!! This oven even your husbands could make a big one that follows the sun.. economic for the home stead.. Doug and Stacy in their website they did several KZread on that subject .. I bought an American sun oven.. they live in Missouri too!
I shop once a month also. These are great tips!
Thank you so much!!! So much great information..
This has been so helpful!! So much to learn!!
She is so experienced and wise. I will follow her. She also listens and hears what is coming out of others' and her mouth. I really like it. What I didn't like is the facial expressions of the presenter. She may be new to the social media scene but not to life obviously. Sooo it is quite ok that she surpassed many of the oldies with her wisdom and freshness of ideas as many YTrs are like carbon copies of each other copying trends all the time....
@hummingbird275
Жыл бұрын
I’ll the first 5353 Yes, there’s QUITE A CONTRAST between “ the interviewer and the interviewed”! Amy is such a breath of fresh air and Sunshine 🌞!♥️
Love watching all your videos ❤️
Great kitchen hacks! Thx for sharing.
Very helpful. Thank you so much
This lady has very amazing info!
I use Redmond Real salt because the salt is mined in Utah and has trace minerals.
Love this one!
Thanks for sharing all this great info
This was a really helpful episode! Im already looking in my fridge and cabinets to see what I have and plan to shop once a week now. I do walmart grocery pick up a lot because I have 3 kids and we live out of town. Im glad you mentioned Walmart, I think im going to do my order on my phone, and go into the store and look at my list and the price and final total and see if its really the same!
@TheCrossLegacy
Жыл бұрын
That's a great idea to make sure you get the best prices.
@Homestead.Healing
Жыл бұрын
@The Cross Legacy Thanks, I just subscribed to you as well! I also did your strawberry trick yesterday, which I had seen before, but I was soaking them too long in the vinager water and not using a paper towel. I'm excited to see how long all my berries last now. I was also having trouble with lettuce going bad in a couple of days so I'm trying that trick too!
Great information! This is the first time listening to one of your videos. These are important tips for all of us.
Loved this video- learned a lot!
@TheCrossLegacy
Жыл бұрын
So happy to hear!
Great show.
Enjoyed the video ladies!
This is great info! I totally bought her book!
@TheCrossLegacy
Жыл бұрын
Thank you ❤
I use Walmart+ and find it a huge convenience. But home delivery includes tips. I live in a smallish town and sometimes know the deliverer. They work 100% for tips. But it's great for retarding pulse shopping. I've not had a problem with produce, but I don't buy a lot of produce from Walmart. Maybe if I try Amy's tips that produce will last longer.
@KHomestead
8 ай бұрын
Those Walmart drivers are paid a fair wage, they do keep 100% of their tips though.
Yummy healthy snack: plain Greek yogurt, peanut butter, and some chopped dates on top. It has replaced my cravings for ice cream.
@marynadononeill
Жыл бұрын
In a pinch, peanuts stirred into a little yogurt, amazing snack.
I have been using Instacart for several months because of an illness. I knew it wasn't saving me money, and will not renew. Also, I never know if it will be accurate which is very frustrating. I'm a grandmother and I loved the tip for produce preservation. You're never too old to learn something new.
@marynadononeill
Жыл бұрын
Sometimes the extra cost is necessary and very helpful. Hope you're feeling better!
I need to know how to keep carrots 🥕. Did I miss her telling about them? This is amazing info ❤
@AuroraHolidays
Жыл бұрын
Have you tried washing them, drying them and then placing them in a box with a cloth/paper towel? We did that a couple of weeks ago because our carrots started to get wet and moldy. Now they're still dry and hard, like fresh ones 🎉
I can’t wait to try this!
Will Ms. Amy ever have her books in paper back? I like books over ebooks in case internet goes down and so I can make notes
I’m going to do this with fruit. I buy a lot of frozen berries for my smoothies. But still get the occasional fresh fruit
WOW so awesome information. Thank you are both incredible. Impressive. But yes I buy the boxes of greens from Walmart or grocery stores. So what I do with those?
@willycat7445
Жыл бұрын
Also how do you save bananas. 🍌🍌🍌🍌🍌 before throw them out?
One great way to prevent freezer burning or ice in the bags is to invest in a small houshold vacuum packing machine. We vacuum sauces, cooked meat, berries, bread etc and they stay perfect so much longer time!
Plastic milk jubs have the round indentation on the side to help with the extra gases if the milk is allowed to sour - that creates extra gas and that way the jub does not exploded. It is not to allow for freezing the milk....
GREAT topic and information!!!! Raspberries too?
I can ecess food in reg canning jars and in jars from food from store- must b rubber in cover- never waste anything ( excess)
I tried Walmart delivery 3 times from 2 different stores and they most definitely sent me the stuff that was expiring in 2 days and things you would never pick out yourself. They try to reduce their waste by passing it on to delivery customers.
@melissamccutcheon1970
Жыл бұрын
That was so frustrating when I was doing ONLY pick up. I hated that.
Yes. Mason jars. I cut all my veggies and dice my fruit and put it in mason jars. Makes things easy
Great info; thanks for sharing! I wonder if you can use apple cider vinegar instead of white vinegar on the berries?😊
@robynearl
Жыл бұрын
Yes you can!
@Simplefarmhouselife
Жыл бұрын
Yes, absolutely
This info was absolutely great. I just wanted to comment on the Instacart piece that was false. Customers do get the sale prices and B1G1 (buy 1 get 1 free), etc. However, when ordering they have to select the amount that they want. For example, the oranges are B1G1 and I want a total of 4 oranges….then I would have to select for oranges and will end up paying for 2. But anyway you select it, the item will be 50% off even I just select 1. As for the markup for individual items, it will depend on the specific store and their agreement with instacart. Some store do NOT charge a markup. From the look on Lisa’s face and rephrasing that statement and being a customer herself, I truly believe she knew that part to be untrue but didn’t want to embarrass Amy (my opinion). With all that said, please stick to what you factually know before speaking on a company that has been mostly beneficial for my family and friends (especially when we have a phenomenal shopper 😉). Be Blessed!
What’s that Angel food cake recipe? 😋
What is the water filter you are using? Thanks
@Simplefarmhouselife
Жыл бұрын
I have a Berkey
Question: after washing strawberries, and putting in glass jar, do we refrigerate or leave out on counter? Thx!
@Simplefarmhouselife
Ай бұрын
refrigerate
So does the vinegar soak kill the good bacteria that is needed for fermentation?
@TheCrossLegacy
Жыл бұрын
No it will kill the harmful pathogens but you will still be able to ferment. I make sauerkraut and fermented salsa often.
@judystennett6020
Жыл бұрын
@@TheCrossLegacy great, thank you!
Curious what you are doing while recording, Lisa? It looks like you are looking at the computer or copying links or something? Sorry so random, but just curious 🤣 Loved all of these amazing tips!!❤
@hummingbird275
Жыл бұрын
Middle age. What difference does it make WHAT Amy is looking at while sharing information with us.🙄???
@HeatherB81
Жыл бұрын
@@hummingbird275 sorry, it makes no difference… I know it was an odd question… I’m weird 🤷🏼♀️
@valeriegallegos8607
4 ай бұрын
@@HeatherB81you’re not weird - I was wondering the same thing. It’s a bit distracting 😐
Hello does she have a book to buy … I thought she said she made a book on how to preserve fruits and vegetables … thank you could someone let me know
@marynadononeill
Жыл бұрын
go to the website
I frezze milk. And walmart plus delivery is free over $35 order.
Oxalates are a major problem for allergies
So what are the Staples you keep in your pantry
So as far as berries, I wonder if you can rewash them at the 2 week mark to lengthen their life 🤔
Well, number 1 - I would never listen to anything from WEF. Number 2 - 60% - I don't think so with the price of food. Number 3 - yes we do need to do better with food waste.
This is great but honestly we use up our stuff so quickly. Do you buy a ton at once and then store?
@TheCrossLegacy
Жыл бұрын
We buy what we need for the shopping span, I post all of my grocery hauls on IG
@jackimanley3056
Жыл бұрын
@@TheCrossLegacy thanks for the reply. Unfortunately I don't use Instagram. :) Love your ideas though!
I am definitely NOT one of the people that throw away food. I can't bear to waste food. I think I've actually risked food poisoning so I didn't have to throw food out.
@sheilafae
Жыл бұрын
It’s not good to put your health at risk, but wonderful that you are not wasting food. Please be careful. 💞
I loved this conversation, you both seemed to enjoy talking to each other. great tips too.
I love this podcast but I feel a bit for Amy, she’s fan girling so hard, she’s so excited, and you’re sort of dismissive and it seems you’re just here for the info and to produce a show, not be kind.
@hummingbird275
Жыл бұрын
Yes!
@yvonnealonzo4960
6 ай бұрын
Absolutely
@vanessamccarthy8224
5 ай бұрын
Was thinking the same thing…..
@mporter859
5 ай бұрын
I totally agree. It was a little painful to watch.
@lesliepineda8569
5 ай бұрын
I think it just might be her disposition🤷♀️
Don't take any notice of the WEF. Barking!
You can also just wash your produce dry it and put it in the fridge. 😊 You can also just twist off the top of your pineapple and either plant it or throw it away. 😘
1/4 cup vinegar only or is vinegar added to water?
@hummingbird275
Жыл бұрын
Stacy, were you just NOT paying attention?🙄
@Simplefarmhouselife
Жыл бұрын
added to water
About t9 be strawberry season? What? Do you live in Canada? I'm serious. Curious. We've had strawberries since April. Love to learn.😊
@Simplefarmhouselife
Жыл бұрын
I live in the middle of the United States in Missouri.
I do not believe people throw that ( average) much away-
@marlenecardinahl9346
Жыл бұрын
Mom of 10
@marynadononeill
Жыл бұрын
@@marlenecardinahl9346 I don't either. Those WEFers manipulate stats all the time for their inhuman agenda. Restaurants on the other hand definitely throw it away. All those uneaten plates of food! And use-by dates, perfectly good food, in the bin. Having said that, I find the Strawberry Lady an absolute wealth of info and believe she saves a lot of money on food. Great tips!
This is a great concept, but the interviewer seems rigid and appears to not be enjoying the process. Maybe she's having a bit of an off day. I appreciate the helpful tips shared.
@almafrisius7358
Жыл бұрын
I agree. This is first time watching this person. The vibe was hostile.
@drkiehl9527
9 ай бұрын
It seems she just didn’t feel great.
O
None of this works for me.
Can you address time spent on phone how it can cost you your time in working around one home as I see this as and issue for the stay at home moms and what they can do to curb this.
Did she say $23 for a little pack of hamburger??