As you know, storing fresh foods properly can help reduce waste. Making sure your pantry, fridge and freezer are well organized also makes it easier to plan meals and save money as a result.
To get you started, here is a short guide to some of the fresh staple foods to buy at your your local your Rachellebery and how best to store them.
WHAT ORGANIC FRESH FOODS SHOULD I choose? HOW SHOULD THEY BE STORED?
Fruits and vegetables | Choose fruit with a longer shelf life, such as apples, pineapple, melons and citrus fruit. For vegetables, opt for those that have a long shelf life such as beets, rutabagas, potatoes, parsnips, squash, yams, carrots and organic greenhouse radishes, such as Jag brand. These can all be seasoned and roasted, and they’re glorious in salads.
Should produce be stored in the fridge? Citrus, tomatoes and avocados taste better when left out on the counter. Onions, garlic and potatoes prefer a dark, dry, well-ventilated location.
More fragile produce such as lettuce or sprouts should be stored in a crisper away from fruit that can speed up the ripening process. Fresh herbs are especially fragile and tend to wilt: wrap them in a clean, damp cloth and place in a plastic bag.
Meat and fish | After buying groceries, think about what you will be eating soon, and place the other items in the freezer immediately: fresh, organic products that have just arrived on store shelves are always best eaten within 2 or 3 days of buying them. Here are suggestions for products that are always good to have on hand:
- Sausages: Think of all the varieties available, for example, the duBreton brand, which are perfect for a BBQ, or Valens sausages, which are made from meat without growth hormones or added nitrates or phosphates.
- Pork tenderloin – duBreton: A great choice, both practical and succulent. This cut is always tender, whether roasted whole or sliced and fried. While their marinated boneless loin filets, new as of March and already a top seller, easy to store and to cook with!
- Pork chops: From duBreton or Viandes Biologiques de Charlevoix, pork chops are perfect for freezing, and can be individually wrapped beforehand. They are delicious with sauce vierge or cream sauce.
- Chicken: Whether you buy organic chicken from Ferme des Voltigeurs or Viandes Biologiques de Charlevoix, chicken goes with any kind of sauce. Roasted whole, chicken is a timeless classic; and its many cut make it extremely versatile: chicken livers make excellent terrines, thighs can be used to whip up quick rissoles, ground chicken is perfect for dumplings, and chicken sausages can spice up a simple salad!
On the sea front, choose white fish like the sole, which can be stored for 2 to 3 days. Seafood and fresh salmon should only be saved 1 to 2 days, while smoked salmon, for example, from Saum-Mom, La Fée des Grèves, or Bleumer (organic) can be stored in the fridge for 3 to 4 days.
A REFRESHING NOTE: When storing your groceries in the refrigerator, always place the meat and fish on the middle shelf, which is the coolest part of the fridge
FRIDGE ESSENTIALS
With a few staples, you will always have what you need to improvise a quick and nutritious meal:
- Cheese. Anything is possible when you have with good cheddar on hand! Support local producers by choosing Quebec cheeses. There are even alternative vegan and lactose-free varieties.
- Tofu. Tofu is high in protein and is always a great meat alternative. While silken tofu is ideal for desserts, firm tofu lends itself well a wide variety of recipes.
- Yogurt. An ingredient with many health benefits, yogurt can be used in a variety of recipes, both savoury and sweet.
- Eggs. Perfect in all its guises and for any meal, from breakfast to supper.
- Deli meats. Cured meats can be stored for long periods and are always practical, whether as an appetizer or to enhance a meal. When possible, choose artisanal and local products.
- Ready-to-eat meals. Prepared dishes are time-savers and can be inspiring: Salad, sandwiches, stews, poke bowls and more. Several types are available from our popular brands, from Crudessence meals and Commensal soups to delicious Mandy’s salads. Try prepared meals from your favourite Rachelle Béry store.
ORGANIZING YOUR FREEZER
With these staples in your freezer, you will have everything you need to prepare any meal of the day!
- Frozen pastry dough. A few rolls of puff or phyllo pastry and pie shells always come in handy. Whip up an improvised “empty-the-fridge” quiche with some up eggs, milk, leftovers meats, cheese and vegetables!
- Frozen fruit. Always useful, they are a great addition to muffins, desserts, smoothies, yogurt and even oatmeal.
- Ground meat. Whether veal, beef or pork, ground meat is a basic ingredient for making meatballs, shepherd’s pie and many comfort foods!
- Seafood. Perfect for those last-minute meals. Choose local seafood products from Fruits de mer du Québec: Scallops, crab, shrimp and lobster all thaw quickly and easily. When you need to make a quick, delicious meal, our exclusive Fruits de mer du Québec products from the Gaspé and Magdalen Islands will save the day!
- Different kinds of breads. Stock up on a variety of breadstuffs that freeze well: bagels, tortillas or pitas bread all go well with soup or salad.
PANTRY STAPLES
Here are some go-to products to help you cook balanced meals, hot or cold, at any time of the day.
- Legumes
- Nuts
- Canned fish
- Canned tomatoes
- Rice
- Pasta
- Flour of all types
- Sweeteners
- Dried fruit
- Spices
- Oil
