If you're like most people, you've probably thrown away more spoiled vegetables than you'd like to admit. It's frustrating to buy fresh produce, only to have it spoil before you can eat it. But don't worry, with a few simple steps, you can keep your vegetables fresher for longer and reduce your food waste.
Step 1: Clean and Dry Your Vegetables
Before storing your vegetables, give them a good rinse and pat them dry with a clean towel. Any excess moisture can cause vegetables to spoil faster, so it's important to remove as much water as possible.
Step 2: Store Vegetables in Proper Containers
Different vegetables require different storage containers. For example, leafy greens should be stored in a plastic bag with a damp paper towel to keep them fresh, while root vegetables like carrots and potatoes should be stored in a cool, dark place like the pantry.
Step 3: Keep Vegetables Separated
It's important to keep vegetables separated in the fridge. Some vegetables, like broccoli and onions, give off gases that can spoil other produce, so it's best to store them in separate containers or drawers.
Step 4: Monitor the Temperature
The temperature of your fridge can have a big impact on how long your vegetables stay fresh. Most vegetables do best in the lower to mid-range of your fridge, around 34-40°F.
Eco-Friendly Amazon Products for Storing Vegetables
If you're looking for ways to store your vegetables in an eco-friendly way, here are some top-rated products on Amazon that will help you reduce your environmental impact:

1. Reusable Silicone Food Bags: These bags are a great alternative to plastic bags and containers. They're made of silicone, which is non-toxic and can be reused for years.
2. Beeswax Wraps: Beeswax wraps are a great way to store vegetables without using plastic. Simply wrap your produce in the beeswax wrap and store it in the fridge.
3. Glass Storage Containers: Glass storage containers are a great option for storing vegetables. They're reusable, non-toxic, and can be used in the microwave and dishwasher.
4. Compostable Produce Bags: If you need to use a bag to store your vegetables, consider using compostable produce bags. They're made of biodegradable materials and can be composted after use.

Check out: Produce Savers
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A Guide to Proper Vegetable Storage According to Half Your Plate
Half Your Plate is a non-profit organization that aims to encourage people to eat more fruits and vegetables. One of their key messages is to encourage people to eat more fresh produce, which requires proper storage to keep it fresh and delicious. Here is a step-by-step guide to storing vegetables according to Half Your Plate:
Step 1: Choose the Right Vegetables
The first step to proper vegetable storage is to choose the right produce. Look for vegetables that are firm and free from bruises, cuts, or soft spots. The fresher the vegetables, the longer they will last in the fridge.
Step 2: Clean and Dry Your Vegetables
Before storing your vegetables, give them a good rinse and pat them dry with a clean towel. Any excess moisture can cause vegetables to spoil faster, so it's important to remove as much water as possible.
Step 3: Store Vegetables in Proper Containers
Different vegetables require different storage containers. For example, leafy greens should be stored in a plastic bag with a damp paper towel to keep them fresh, while root vegetables like carrots and potatoes should be stored in a cool, dark place like the pantry.
Step 4: Keep Vegetables Separated
It's important to keep vegetables separated in the fridge. Some vegetables, like broccoli and onions, give off gases that can spoil other produce, so it's best to store them in separate containers or drawers.
Step 5: Monitor the Temperature
The temperature of your fridge can have a big impact on how long your vegetables stay fresh. Most vegetables do best in the lower to mid-range of your fridge, around 34-40°F.
Step 6: Plan Your Meals
Finally, it's important to plan your meals so you can use your vegetables before they go bad. Make a grocery list and plan your meals so that you can use up your produce before it spoils.
By following these simple steps, you can keep your vegetables fresher for longer and enjoy more delicious and nutritious produce. So why not make Half Your Plate your mantra and start eating more fruits and vegetables today!

Do you find yourself scrambling to make dinner every night after a long day at work or running errands? Do you often resort to takeout or frozen meals because you just don’t have the energy to cook? If so, meal prep could be the solution you’ve been looking for. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the benefits of preparing food ahead of time, which dishes are best suited for meal prep, and share some delicious recipes to get you started. Plus, we’ll introduce you to some of the best kitchen products on Amazon to make meal prep even easier.
Why Meal Prep?
Meal prep is the process of planning and preparing your meals in advance, usually on the weekends, so you have a stash of ready-to-eat food for the week ahead. By taking the time to prepare food ahead of time, you can save yourself time, money, and stress during the week. Here are just a few of the benefits of meal prep:

• Saves time: By spending a few hours on the weekend prepping food, you’ll have less work to do during the week, freeing up time for other things.
• Saves money: Meal prep allows you to buy ingredients in bulk and make meals in advance, reducing the need for expensive takeout or convenience foods.
• Healthy eating: Meal prep encourages you to make healthier food choices and control portion sizes, which can lead to weight loss and overall better health.
• Reduces stress: When you have meals ready to go, there’s no need to worry about what you’re going to eat or have to rush to make something at the last minute.

What to Meal Prep
Not all dishes are created equal when it comes to meal prep. Some foods hold up well after being refrigerated or frozen, while others tend to get soggy or lose their flavor. Here are some of the best foods to prepare ahead of time:

• Grains: Rice, quinoa, and pasta are all great options for meal prep as they can be cooked in bulk and then stored in the fridge or freezer for later.
• Proteins: Chicken, beef, and tofu can all be cooked and portioned out for the week, ready to be added to dishes as needed.
• Vegetables: Roasted or grilled vegetables, like carrots, bell peppers, and eggplant, are great for meal prep as they hold up well and can be used in a variety of dishes.
• Sauces and dressings: Making your own sauces and dressings in advance can save time and ensure you’re using healthy ingredients.

Recipes for Meal Prep
Now that you understand the benefits of meal prep and which foods are best suited for it, let’s get to the good stuff – the recipes! Here are three delicious and easy meal prep recipes to get you started:

1. Quinoa and Veggie Bowls: Cook quinoa in bulk and then portion it out into containers with roasted vegetables, like broccoli and red pepper, and your favorite protein, like chicken or tofu. Drizzle with a healthy dressing, like tahini or lemon vinaigrette, and you’re good to go.
2. Chicken and Rice Bowls: Cook chicken and rice in bulk and then portion out into containers with steamed or roasted vegetables, like carrots and green beans. Add a sauce, like teriyaki or salsa, for extra flavor.
3. Pasta Salad: Cook pasta in bulk and then mix with roasted vegetables, like cherry 
   tomatoes and zucchini, and a flavorful dressing, like basil pesto or balsamic vinaigrette. This pasta salad can be served cold, making it a great option for a quick and easy lunch.
   Top Amazon Products for Meal Prep
   When it comes to meal prep, having the right kitchen tools can make all the difference. Here are some of the best products on Amazon that will help make your meal prep journey a success:
4. Glass Meal Prep Containers: These containers are perfect for portioning out your meals and keeping them fresh. They’re made of glass, so they’re reusable and don’t contain any harmful chemicals.
5. Food Scale: A food scale can help you accurately portion out your meals and track your daily food intake.
6. Slow Cooker: A slow cooker is a lifesaver for meal prep. Simply add your ingredients in the morning and come home to a delicious, fully cooked meal.
7. Final Thoughts
   Meal prep can seem daunting at first, but with a little planning and the right tools, it can be a lifesaver. By preparing food ahead of time, you’ll save time, money, and stress during the week, while also eating healthier and more delicious food. So why not give it a try? Start with these recipes and the top-rated Amazon products, and you’ll be on your way to meal prep success in no time.
8. Instant Pot: This multi-cooker is a game-changer for meal prep. It can sauté, steam, slow cook, and pressure cook all in one machine, making meal prep a breeze.
9. Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measuring is key to successful meal prep, so having a good set of measuring cups and spoons is a must.

Final Thoughts
Meal prep can seem daunting at first, but with a little planning and the right tools, it can be a lifesaver. By preparing food ahead of time, you’ll save time, money, and stress during the week, while also eating healthier and more delicious food. So why not give it a try? Start with these recipes and the top-rated Amazon products, and you’ll be on your way to meal prep success in no time.
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​Are you tired of the same old dips and sauces to accompany your favorite Mexican meals? Look no further because making fresh salsa at home is easier than you think! Not only is it delicious and full of flavor, but you can also customize it to suit your personal tastes. In this blog post, I’ll share my favorite recipe for fresh salsa, as well as some tips and tricks to make it the perfect addition to your next meal.
Ingredients:

• 4 medium-sized ripe tomatoes, chopped
• 1 medium red onion, finely chopped
• 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 lime, juiced
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions:

1. Start by chopping your tomatoes and red onion. The key to great salsa is using fresh and ripe ingredients, so make sure to select the best produce you can find.
2. Next, seed and finely chop your jalapeño pepper. If you like a little extra heat, leave some of the seeds in, but if you prefer a milder salsa, remove them all.
3. Mince the garlic and chop the cilantro. Both of these ingredients add a ton of flavor to the salsa, so don’t be afraid to be generous with them.
4. In a large bowl, combine the chopped tomatoes, red onion, jalapeño pepper, garlic, and cilantro. Squeeze the juice of one lime over the top, and add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
5. Stir the ingredients together until well combined, and then give the salsa a taste. Add more salt, pepper, or lime juice as needed to get the flavor just right.
6. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the salsa sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This also gives the salsa a chance to thicken up a bit.
7. Serve the salsa with your favorite Mexican dishes, such as tacos, burritos, or nachos. It’s also great as a dip for chips or veggies, or as a topping for grilled meats.

Making fresh salsa at home is so easy and delicious that you’ll never want to go back to store-bought again. Plus, you can customize it to your liking by adjusting the ingredients and the amount of heat to suit your tastes. Give this recipe a try, and you’ll be surprised at how quickly it becomes a staple in your kitchen. Happy salsa making!

 Homesteading is a lifestyle choice that has been gaining in popularity in recent years. Many people are choosing to leave the hustle and bustle of city life behind in search of a simpler, more sustainable way of living. Homesteading is a way to become more self-sufficient and to live in harmony with the natural world. In this blog post, we will explore what homesteading is, how to get started, and provide you with a top-rated recipe to try out in your own homestead kitchen.

What is Homesteading?

Homesteading is a lifestyle that emphasizes self-sufficiency, sustainability, and a connection to the natural world. Homesteaders live off the land, growing their own food, raising animals, and producing their own energy. They often live in rural areas and have a deep appreciation for nature and the environment.

Homesteading can be seen as a way to reduce your carbon footprint, live a healthier lifestyle, and build a stronger sense of community. By producing your own food and goods, you are reducing your reliance on industrialized systems, and by connecting with other homesteaders, you are building a network of like-minded individuals who share your values.


How to Get Started Homesteading

If you are interested in homesteading, the first step is to evaluate your current situation and set realistic goals. Do you have land to work with? Do you have any experience with gardening, raising animals, or other homesteading skills? What are your motivations for homesteading? These are all important questions to consider.
Once you have a clear understanding of your goals and motivations, it’s time to start building your skills and knowledge. There are many resources available for homesteaders, including online communities, homesteading blogs, and local workshops and events.

Some essential skills for homesteading include:

• Gardening: growing your own fruits and vegetables is a key part of homesteading. You’ll need to learn about soil composition, crop rotation, and pest management.
• Animal husbandry: raising animals for food, milk, or eggs is another important part of homesteading. You’ll need to learn about animal behavior, feeding, and care.
• Food preservation: once you have grown or raised your own food, you’ll need to know how to preserve it for long-term storage. This can include canning, drying, and freezing.
• Energy production: homesteaders often produce their own energy through solar panels, wind turbines, or other renewable sources.
• ​

By building your skills and knowledge in these areas, you will be well on your way to living a more self-sufficient lifestyle.


A Top-Rated Recipe: Homemade Bread

One of the joys of homesteading is being able to make your own food from scratch. This top-rated recipe for homemade bread is a perfect example of that. With just a few simple ingredients, you can make delicious, crusty bread that is perfect for sandwiches, toast, or just as a snack.


Ingredients:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
• 1 1/2 cups warm water

Directions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, sugar, and yeast. Mix well.
2. Add the warm water to the bowl and mix until a dough forms.
3. Knead the dough for 10-15 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover with a damp towel. Allow the dough to rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
5. Preheat your oven to 450 degrees

​fahrenheit. Place a Dutch oven or heavy pot with a lid in the oven to heat up.

1. Once the dough has risen, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a round loaf.
2. Carefully remove the preheated Dutch oven or pot from the oven and place the loaf of dough inside. Cover with the lid and bake for 30 minutes.
3. After 30 minutes, remove the lid and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, until the crust is golden brown.
4. Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool on a wire rack.

Enjoy your delicious, homemade bread with a slather of butter or your favorite spread. You’ll love the taste of this crusty loaf, made from simple ingredients and baked with love.
In conclusion, homesteading is a wonderful way to live a more sustainable and self-sufficient lifestyle. By growing your own food, raising animals, and producing your own energy, you can reduce your reliance on industrialized systems and live in harmony with nature. Whether you’re just starting out or have been homesteading for years, we hope this blog post has inspired you to continue on this amazing journey. Happy homesteading!

In a world where climate change and environmental degradation have become pressing issues, it's more important than ever to make conscious choices that support sustainable living. Fortunately, there are plenty of eco-friendly products available on the market that can make sustainable living more accessible and convenient. Today, I want to share with you my favorite eco-friendly product from Amazon that can help make sustainable living easier and more enjoyable.
My top pick is the Bee's Wrap Reusable Food Wraps. These wraps are an eco-friendly alternative to single-use plastic wrap and are perfect for storing food in your fridge or on the go. Made with organic cotton infused with beeswax, jojoba oil, and tree resin, Bee's Wrap is a natural and reusable solution for keeping your food fresh.

Here are some reasons why I love Bee's Wrap:

1. It's sustainable: Unlike plastic wrap, Bee's Wrap is reusable and can last up to a year with proper care. This means less waste and a smaller carbon footprint.
   
2. It's versatile: Bee's Wrap can be used to wrap sandwiches, cheese, fruits, and vegetables, cover bowls and containers, and even fold into snack bags.
3. It's biodegradable: When Bee's Wrap has reached the end of its useful life, it can be composted or used as a natural fire starter.

Overall, I highly recommend Bee's Wrap to anyone who wants to make a positive impact on the environment while enjoying the convenience of food storage. You can find Bee's Wrap and other sustainable products on Amazon and start making a difference today. Let's work together to build a more sustainable future!

If you're like most people, you're probably looking forward to the warm weather and spending time outside in your garden. Well, it's time to start planning what you'll be planting! In this blog post, we will discuss which vegetable seeds you should be starting on the East Coast in March.
March is the perfect time to start planting vegetable seeds on the East Coast. The weather is starting to warm up and the days are getting longer, so your plants will have plenty of time to grow. Some of the best vegetables to plant in March include peas, spinach, radishes, and turnips. I recommend using heirloom seeds for organic gardening because they are not genetically modified and produce the juiciest, best tasting crops I've ever tasted.
Peas should be started indoors about six weeks before you plan to transplant them outdoors. Spinach can be started indoors or outdoors, but it's best to start it indoors if you want a head start on the growing season. Radishes and turnips can be direct-seeded into your garden (which means you don't have to start them indoors first).
They can be grown under a grow light or on a sunny windowsill. You'll want to transplant them outside when they are about four inches tall. I recommend using seed starter trays which you can easily buy on Amazon. They provide the right amount of humidity and it's just less of a hassle than gathering all of the materials.
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If you start your vegetable seeds indoors, you'll need to harden them off before planting them outside. Hardening off just means getting your plants acclimated to the outdoors. Do this by placing them outside in a sheltered spot for a few hours each day, gradually increasing the amount of time they spend outdoors over the course of a week or two.
Other vegetables you can start in April include lettuce, cabbage, and broccoli. They should be started indoors about six to eight weeks before the last frost date.
By starting your vegetable seeds indoors, you'll be able to get a head start on the growing season. This is especially beneficial if you live in an area with a short growing season.
Do you have any tips for starting vegetable seeds indoors? Share them with us in the comments below!

Read about Hydroponic Gardening 

Where to buy freeze dried food?


There are many places to buy freeze-dried food. You can find it in stores that sell camping and hiking gear, as well as some grocery stores. You can also purchase it online from a variety of retailers. When purchasing freeze dried food, be sure to read the labels carefully to ensure that you are getting a product that is of high quality and that will provide you with the nutrition you need. We recommend The Survival Prep Store because they offer a money-back guarantee and their foods are of the highest quality.

Hydroponics is a method of growing plants without soil. The plants are grown in water and receive their nutrients from the water solution. This is a great way to garden if you live in an area with poor soil quality or if you want to grow vegetables year-round. In this blog post, we will discuss the best systems to use for your DIY hydroponic garden and the benefits of hydroponic gardening!


When starting a hydroponic garden, you have several different system options to choose from. The most common hydroponic systems are the wicking system, the nutrient film technique (NFT), and the ebb and flow system. Each of these systems has its own benefits and drawbacks, so it is important to choose the one that will work best for your needs.


The wicking system is the most common hydroponic system and is also the simplest to set up. This system uses a growing medium, such as perlite or coco coir, that holds moisture and nutrients. The plants are grown in holes in the growing medium and their roots hang down into a reservoir of water and nutrients. The wicking action of the growing medium draws the moisture and nutrients up to the plants' roots. This system is a great choice for beginners, as it is easy to set up and requires minimal maintenance.


The nutrient film technique is a more advanced hydroponic system that uses a thin film of water to provide nutrients to the plants. This system is ideal for growing larger plants, as it can support taller plants without becoming too heavy. The downside to this system is that it can be difficult to maintain a consistent level of moisture and nutrients in the film.


The ebb and flow system is another advanced hydroponic system that uses a timer to flood the plants' roots with water and nutrients. This system is ideal for larger gardens, as it can accommodate a large number of plants. The downside to this system is that it can be difficult to keep the nutrient solution at the correct pH level.


Hydroponics is a great way to garden no matter where you live. If you have poor soil quality or want to grow vegetables year-round, hydroponic gardening is the solution for you! In this blog post, we discussed the best systems to use for your DIY hydroponic garden and the benefits of hydroponic gardening. So, what are you waiting for? Start building your very own hydroponic garden today!


If you're curious about hydroponics and want to start a DIY hydroponic garden of your own, check out our website or give us a call! We would be happy to help you get started!

If you're like me, then you love canning tomatoes in the summer. It's a great way to preserve the deliciousness of summer for later in the year. Not to mention, canning tomatoes is a great way to save money on groceries! In this step-by-step guide, we will teach you how to can tomatoes like a pro!




First, you will need to gather your supplies. You will need: canning jars, lids, a pot for boiling the jars, a large pot for boiling the tomatoes, a strainer, and of course, fresh tomatoes! I recommend the  Ball Wide Mouth Canning Jars.
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Next, wash your canning jars and lids in hot soapy water. Then, sterilize the jars by boiling them in a pot of water for ten minutes.


Now, it's time to can the tomatoes! Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Then, cut your fresh tomatoes in half and add them to the boiling water. Boil the tomatoes for two minutes.


After two minutes, remove the tomatoes from the pot with a slotted spoon and place them in a strainer. Allow the water to drain off of the tomatoes.


Now, it's time to fill your canning jars with the tomatoes. Fill each jar to within an inch of the top. Then, add two tablespoons of lemon juice to each jar. This will help to preserve the tomatoes.


Now, it's time to seal the jars! Place the lids on top of the jars and screw them in place. Then, place the jars in a pot of boiling water and boil for ten minutes.


After ten minutes, remove the jars from the pot and allow them to cool. Once they have cooled, you can store them in your pantry for later use! Enjoy!

If you're looking for a way to preserve your food, canning is a great option. Canned food can last for years, and it's a great way to stock up on healthy foods for the winter. In this blog post, we'll discuss everything you need to know about canning: supplies, foods, and benefits. We'll also provide some tips for beginners who are just starting out. So whether you're new to canning or you've been doing it for years, this blog post has something for you!


Supplies:


The first thing you'll need is a canning pot. This is a special pot that's designed for canning food. You can find canning pots at most hardware stores or online. Make sure to get a pot that's the right size for your needs.


You'll also need canning jars, lids, and rings. Canning jars come in a variety of sizes, so you can choose the size that's right for you. Canning lids and rings can be found at most hardware stores or online.


Lastly, you'll need a canning funnel. This is used to fill the jars with food without making a mess. Canning funnels can be found at most hardware stores or online.


Foods:


There are a variety of foods that can be canned, but some are better for beginners than others. Tomatoes, fruits, and pickles are all great options for beginners. If you're feeling more adventurous, you can try canning meat or vegetables.


Benefits:


There are a number of benefits to canning food. Canned food lasts for years, so you can stock up on healthy foods for the winter. Canned food is also a great way to preserve your harvest. And lastly, canned food is often cheaper than fresh or frozen food. So if you're looking for a way to save money on food, canning is a great option.


Tips for Beginners:


If you're new to canning, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, make sure to read the instructions carefully. Canning can be dangerous if not done properly. Second, start with simpler recipes. Tomatoes, fruits, and pickles are all great options for beginners. And lastly, practice makes perfect! The more you can, the better you'll get at it.


So there you have it: everything you need to know about canning! Whether you're a beginner or an experienced canner, this blog post has something for you. So get out there and start canning! Your food will thank you.


Do you have any canning tips or recipes to share? We'd love to hear from you in the comments below!