Buying at the supermarket may always seem like the most practical and economic choice, but it’s not always like that. There are several products that, for price, freshness or utility reasons, may not justify being purchased on large surfaces. In many cases, traditional or even home cultivation offer clear advantages. In this article, let’s tell you of some of them.
Fruits and Vegetables
Let’s start with fruits and vegetables. These products, purchased at the neighborhood grocery store or at the weekly fair, often have lower and better quality prices. In addition, it is more sustainable to buy products of the time and of local origin. And avoid the versions already cut or prepared: they last less time, cost more and are not always fresh.
Carne
Meat is another clear example. In the butcher, you can choose exactly the cut you want, ask to chop on time and even receive preparation advice. Often the fresh meat of the butcher is more tender and less additive than the supermarket packed meat.
Potatoes
Regarding frozen potatoes, doing at home remains the best option. One pound of fresh potato is usually half the price of frozen potatoes and can cook them to your taste, without additives or oils of dubious origin.
Cleaning products
Cleaning products also deserve a special mention. Nowadays, it is easy to make homemade detergents with ingredients such as vinegar, baking soda and lemon, reducing costs and avoiding aggressive chemicals. It has warned the environmental and economic impact of these products and encourages home alternatives whenever possible.
Fresh fish
If you live near a market or a coastal zone, enjoy the fresh fish available daily. In many cases, it is cheaper than the super -fringe fish of the supermarket and has the advantage that it can be prepared to its measure, already clean and arranged.
Out -of -season products
Out -of -season products, such as strawberries in December or cherries in January, are an expensive and poorly sustainable luxury. In addition to the high price, they are still harvested green and transported by long distances, which compromises the taste and nutritional value.
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Aromatic herbs
Aromatic herbs are easy to cultivate at home, even in small pots on the porch or window. In addition to being more economical, they are always fresh and give a special touch to their dishes. Bullets, parsley, basil and chives are some of the varieties that grow well in a home environment.
Prepared sauces
Also avoid the prepared sauces. Full of salt, fat and additives can be easily replaced by home versions. Tomato sauce, for example, can be made with mature tomatoes, olive oil, garlic and herbs – is healthier and tastier. Sauces such as pesto or carbonara are also simple to prepare and dispense preservatives.
Microwave popcorn
Microwave popcorn are practical, yes, but contain artificial fats and aromas. Popcorn at home in a pan is easy, economical and healthier. Also, you can choose the ingredients – less salt, less fat or even without sugar.
Brand spices
Another product that can dispense with the supermarket are brand spices. There are bulk stores that sell the same spices at more affordable and freshness prices. Also, buy only how much you need, avoiding waste.
Branched tea
Bottled tea, despite being in fashion, often contains large amounts of sugar and preservatives. Preparing tea at home, with boiling water and dried or fresh leaves, is healthier and more economical.
Junk water
Finally, bottled water is, in most areas of Portugal, completely unnecessary. Public water is safe, controlled and subject to regular analysis. According to the regulating entity of water and waste services (Ersar), tap water in Portugal has “safe” quality in more than 99% of cases.
Not everything that is on the supermarket shelves needs to be bought in them, as. There are cheaper, sustainable and healthy alternatives – whether in local commerce, market or even the window railing there.
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