Letter J
We are continuing with our series on how to save on groceries — even if you don’t have a coupon! These items below are things we need, and we purchase, even if we don’t have a coupon or one is never available. Here are a few food items, beginning with the letter “J” which you can purchase in bulk when you find a great deal!
Beef Jerky is a great item to put into an emergency kit – as it has a long life. Here is how you can extend it further
- Do NOT freeze jerky
- Keep in a cool dry place
- Store bought can be good up to one year if not opened.
- Homemade is good for 1 – 2 months in the refrigerated in an air-tight container or package.
Jams and Jellies are a great item to stockpile. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Store in a cool dry place.
- If unopened, they can be good for up to 2 years (check date on packaging)
- Once opened, most are good for one year after purchase.
- If smell develops or color changes, do not consume.
Another great item for stockpiles is Jell-O. Here are tips:
- Refrigerated products are only good for the date on the package
- Boxed gelatins are good for up to 18 months when stored in a cool, dry place.
- It is not recommended to freeze as it will thaw with extra liquid. If you need to make up ahead of time and freeze, use 1/2 – 3/4 of the recommended amount of water.
Jicama is a vegetable that many with which many people are not familiar. It is a rooty vegetable, similar to a Yam or Turnip.
- It is good for up to 14 days uncut, in the refrigerator.
- After that time, the starches turn to sugar.
- It is not recommended for freezing.
Juice can be purchased in concentrate or bottled. Here is how you can store yours:
- Frozen concentrates can be good for up to one year – watch dates on the package.
- Once frozen concentrates are mixed, they are usually good for about 1 week in the refrigerator.
- Juice which is sold from the shelf (not refrigerated) can be good for up to 18 months in your pantry. Just watch the dates.
- If you opt to freeze bottled juice, it can be good for anywhere from 8 – 12 months – just remove about 1″ of juice from the bottle to allow for expansion.
- Refrigerated juices are usually good for up to a week after purchase.
- You can freeze refrigerated juices for up to 12 months – just remove 1″ of juice from the bottle to allow for expansion.
Make sure you check out ALL of the tips we’ve shared – just click the letter for the food you want to know more about!!