Money-Saving Ways to Make Fresh Produce Last | mediterranean diet meal plan

[@mediterraneanminutes]

BREAKING NEWS JULY 2024… if you are looking for a follow-up to this video and a 30-day plan you can follow as well as track your progress, I just published my first book… Every Day Mediterranean, a 30-day Kick-Start Plan and Tracking Journal. You can grab your copy today on Amazon from this link: a.co/d/ehohsJ3

[@robinhill124]

I just received mine today.

[@mediterraneanminutes]

@@robinhill124 Oh goody, Robin! Hope it's really helptul. Cheers, Caroline

[@rbrown6476]

Have you tried keeping broccoli and cauliflower in water in the fridge? I can’t get to the shops and rely on a delivery once a week only. Sometimes a huge cauliflower arrives! I wash in water with a little bicarbonate of soda to remove pesticides and cut 1” off the bottom stem. I then place it in a large Tupperware box with 2” of cold water. The same with broccoli. This way, I have kept my cauliflower and broccoli fresh and firm for two weeks if needed, because they’re still growing when they have their bottoms in water. I change the water and wash the containers once a week. It’s been so brilliant since being housebound 4 years ago. ❤

[@mediterraneanminutes]

Hi RBrown, and thanks for taking the time to share what sounds like an absolutely excellent way to extend the life of your veggies. I will try it this week! Cheers, Caroline

[@rbrown6476]

@@mediterraneanminutes Thank you x :)

[@redhatsudoer]

I would rather watch your videos and tutorials more than anything else on TV or the Internet! You have greatly influenced my life in so many positive ways. I am eternally gratefully to you! I pray that you are blessed with good health so you may continue the great work you do!

[@mediterraneanminutes]

Wow, thanks much for such an encouraging comment. I really appreciate hearing good thoughts. Cheers, Caroline

[@constanceferguson7930]

You give the best 👌 advice I have ever heard. You do not um or uh in your lectures, a sign of a great teacher!! Am switching to the new way of eating. Thanks beyond belief to you!!

[@mediterraneanminutes]

Wow, Constance. What a nice compliment. I’m really glad you are along for this healthy journey too. Welcome, welcome! Cheers, Caroline

[@mmps18]

Oh I'm the queen of shoving everything into my crisper drawer and forgetting about them so this will help lots!!

[@mediterraneanminutes]

Ha, too funny! Well, I bet you're not that bad at it but I'm glad the tips will come in handy to you. Cheers, Caroline

[@PMDawn7]

I just found your channel and I love it!

[@mediterraneanminutes]

Hi Dawn and thanks for joining in the conversation! I’m so glad you are happy with the videos…Cheers, Caroline

[@janebotkins5202]

Oh my! I just got back from the grocery and bought two more tomatoes to replace the two I threw out before I went to the grocery😱. But actually, since my husband passed last year, it’s taking me a while to get in the swing of things with cooking and grocery shopping. And like you, I go to the grocery two or three times a week and buy a lot less since it’s just me and that has helped tremendously and eating fresh and having less waste. I really enjoyed this video and appreciate the time you take to give us such good tips.

[@mediterraneanminutes]

Hi Jane - Thanks so much for chiming in. I’m sure it’s a big chalenge to adjust to cooking for one, but it sounds like you are eating so well and that’s what’s most important. I really appreciate your participation in my channel. Hope you have a great weekend! Cheers, Caroline

[@lorie7969]

Learning so much!

[@mediterraneanminutes]

Thanks much, Lorie. I really appreciate hearing it! Cheers, Caorline

[@WldHny1]

I'm going to follow your recipes heavily, as my doctor has prescribed the Mediterranean diet. Your ideas are so clear and looks like so many good tips and recipes. Lots to learn from and to cook! Thank you so much!

[@mediterraneanminutes]

Hi there, so glad you found me, I really hope the videos help you navigate your way down this healthy road. There plenty of videos on the channel about exactly what you are looking for, so enjoy and best of health! Cheers, Caroline

[@WldHny1]

Wow-this is super helpful!

[@mediterraneanminutes]

Glad you think so! Cheers, Caroline

[@jendean6869]

Thank you for the 'tea cloth' and which items can be stored together and the storage container ideas.. much appreciated

[@mediterraneanminutes]

SO glad you found it useful, Jen.

[@tiffanysaucedo6631]

Love the PDF’s!! Thank you so much!!

[@mediterraneanminutes]

You're totally welcome, Tiffany. Hope it helps soothe the wallet pain! Cheers, Caroline

[@TamiSchaub]

I’m just learning about this diet I’m enjoying your videos

[@mediterraneanminutes]

You got this! Great good luck with your new healthy journey, userzr. Cheers, Caroline

[@hello-wp7bx]

wow i had no idea. what a life long skill, i had never been taught any of this. thank you, will be passing it onto my children.

[@mediterraneanminutes]

Hey hello, I feel the same. Once I got onto the right way to do this, I couldn’t believe what a difference it made. Especially when there are only 2 of us to prepare meals for and lots of ingredients simply come sized for 4 or more! I’m so glad to hear it’s helpful to you. Cheers, Caroline

[@patlangille5375]

Thank you so much! I consider myself pretty kitchen-savvy but I learned a few things, and your tip about mushrooms was very exciting!

[@mediterraneanminutes]

Hi Pat - Thanks so much for your comment. I’m very glad that you found some value in my video. It’s why I’m doing it! Cheers, Caroline

[@KorenKlein]

Yes to ripening the avocado!!!! All the avocado here are sold very unripe, so we stick them with the apples for a few days. Perfect timing for when we need them 👍

[@mediterraneanminutes]

Thanks for sending in your comment. I didn’t know for a long time that all avocados ripen AFTER they are picked, so it’s natural that they are hard in the store and I too found this was a perfect way to ripen them too! Cheers, Caroline

[@lynettedaniels1236]

This was great! I’ll be adding these ideas to my food storage. However, I have to hide my tomatoes in the microwave because one of my cats likes to “ taste” them. 🙄 Thank you for your hard work preparing this video. It is going to be a huge help to me.

[@mediterraneanminutes]

Oh Lynette, you can’t imagine how much I appreciate your comment. I worked harder on this video than any other so far and I’m really happy it’s going to pay off for you (ha, ha…just realized my response is a bit of a 😆). Well, good luck with those tomatoes…and the cats! Happy weekend, Caroline

[@LisaBeatsCancer]

Wonderful channel! Thank you

[@mediterraneanminutes]

Thanks Lisa! So nice of you to say so and thanks for joining me on this healthy journey./ If your handle is any indication, congratulations are in order. Best of luck with your health! Cheers, Caroline

[@ReddMann1276]

This was very informaive & I learned a lot. Somethings I kinda knew but didnt follow very strongly. I shop for more veggies & fruit now & I waste some here & there but you have made it so much more easy to waste less. Thank you for a great video.

[@mediterraneanminutes]

Hi again, Eric. I’m really happy to hear that this video was helpful. Especially with the cost of groceries climbing more every day, it seems like a smart idea to do what we all can! Cheers, Caroline

[@robinhill124]

Where did you get the mesh bags and the brown bags with the window? I don't see them in your link.

[@mediterraneanminutes]

Hi Robin - Neither is in my linked product list because I bought them both in a local hardware store here in Spain. I know I have seen the mesh bags on Amazon in sets much like the ones I have so I'd would suggest you try that as a source or maybe you can find them at a local hardware/dime store in your area. The borwn paper bag ones were a real find! I like them because I can see what's inside and they are one more step away from full plastic although the little window is. Sorry I don't have a better answer and good luck with the hunt! Cheers, Caroline

[@susjv7032]

Wo this is so helpful, thank you so much. I love your videos and you personality. These containers you have, where did you buy rhem ? I would love to have some of those.

[@mediterraneanminutes]

Hi Sus and thanks for joining in the conversation. I truly appreciate the effort you made to add a comment and ask a great question. If you are wondering about the salad boxes, they are made by OXO called freshGreen and if you want a direct link you can visit my shop on Amazon at www.amazon.com/shop/mediterraneanminutes Hope this helps! Cheers, Caorline

[@lennettesuevaught1062]

Great information. Thank you.

[@mediterraneanminutes]

Hi Lennette - Thanks for taking the time to give me a “thumbs up”! Cheers, Caroline

[@beckyhallam8374]

So much info I didn’t know 😮

[@mediterraneanminutes]

Thanks, Becky! When I realized what a big problem this was, I just felt that this was something I should do. I know it´s a lot to take in and that´s why I made the PDF (which I still keep atached to my own fridge door). I really hope it helps everybody to offset the crazy price hikes wére all seeing at the grocery store. Cheers, Caroline

[@NavymomProud]

Great video with lots of good information. Thanks for the chart; I need information right in front of me and this will help. On another note, I finally found sumac locally! Haven’t had a chance to use it yet but I’m planning to soon. I’m ready to have my world rocked😁!

[@mediterraneanminutes]

Oh excellent, Linda. Can't wait to hear what you think of sumac! And I keep that chart on my fridge too...just to remind me what goes in which box in case.I forget. And as a test to make sure that what I came up with would work for others. Hope it does for you too. Have a great weekend! Cheers, Caroline

[@juzsmilin628]

Question what do you do instead if you don't have that type of refrigerator??? Thanks

[@mediterraneanminutes]

Hi Juz! Actually, if you noticed my refrigerator isn’t set for climate-controlled drawers either. The best way to think of this is that you want moisture in one side and dry in the other. So I put a barely damp towel to line the bottom of one drawer and a dry towel on the other. It’s also a good idea to place things that wilt, like lettuces (make sure they are clean and dry before putting them in the fridge) in an open zip lock bag with a paper towel to help absorb moisture too. I hope this helps, it seems to work well for me! I also really like those Greensaver boxes from OXO but they are a luxury, not a necessity. Cheers, Caroline

[@ingrid2543]

I love this video, great tips. Where did you purchase the mesh bags and veggie plastic container?

[@mediterraneanminutes]

Hi Ingrid - I’m so happy you enjoyed the video. I hope it makes a big difference in your grocery bills. This is the video I am most proud of because I think it will have the biggest impact right now with expenses rising so fast everywhere. I’m not sure about the mesh bags but I probably bought them on Amazon (but of course I’m in Spain so the offerings might be different). I’m sure though you could find them where you are. The plastic silicon bags I actually found at TJ Maxx while visiting the US this summer. The brand is Stasher and they are pretty pricey but I think there are other brands that would work just as well. The boxes, which I absolutely love are the OXO brand and while they were also pricey, I think they are worth every penny especially in my fridge which is not as modern as others might be. I use them every week and they have already paid for themselves a few times over! Thanks for taking the time to send in such a positive comment. I really appreciate it. Cheers, Caroline

[@ingrid2543]

@@mediterraneanminutes thank you for your response, I live in Pennsylvania, former native New Yorker. My dad was Spanish, my great grandfather went to the art school in Barcelona with Picasso. I love Mediterranean food and am going to try to incorporate more of it back into my diet.

[@RocioMartinez-ln3gq]

I have a very small countertop, if I leave all that out of refrigerator I won’t have space to prep. Any advice?

[@mediterraneanminutes]

Hmmm, that’s a toughie but it reminds me on when I lived on a boat and had about 3 feet of counter. For sure, leave the tomatoes and root vegetables out of the fridge…tomatoes will lose their flavor and root veggies will get tough and stringy. Maybe hanging basket tiers? Cheers, Caroline

[@madcitywendy]

This is so great!!

[@mediterraneanminutes]

Thanks, Wendy. I’m really glad you liked it. Hope it helps! Cheers, Caroline

[@jenhoful]

Hey, good point about the milk, but in my fridge the shelves are too small fit with cartons of long life milk, and they do sit better in the door. How would I best fix this?

[@mediterraneanminutes]

Hmmm...interesting problem. We have the same issue with our undercounter fridge at the farm and we just use the door and try to buy smallest size to fit. Best of luck with it!

[@danasandlin2435]

I use paper towels around delicate produce; have not had good luck with raspberries and strawberries--so stick to blueberries--I could dehydrate the raspberries or freeze--but fresh, they are gone too soon; I buy all mushrooms canned, except for portabello caps--can also dehydrate; I like idea for storing herbs on door of refrig in glass jars of water...dts/usa

[@mediterraneanminutes]

Dana - Thanks so much for sharing your wisdom and ideas. I’ll try the paper towels suggestion. I usually rinse raspberries and delicate berries in a water/vinegar solution, dry them well and they seem to last just fine. I’m lucky that I can get most things fresh here, but if canned veggies are the best way for you to find them, then good for you. You might try frozen as sometimes they are closer to fresh in taste and texture. I really appreciate you joining in the conversation on my channel. Welcome! Cheers, Caroline

[@mysteryexplorer556]

I generally shop weekly. One tip I do, I plan my meals around which items are more perishable and have those on the menu first. I also look for which of those items that will perish or are left overs to incorporate in my salads so I have less waste.

[@mediterraneanminutes]

Hi Mystery and what excellent suggestions! Thanks, thanks for contributing your ideas to the conversation. I’ll think of them myself when I open the fridge to take something out. I really appreciate the idea, I know it will help me and others looking for ways to stretch our food and our budgets. Happy healthy new year! Cheers, Carolilne

[@davidwayne9982]

THANK YOU so much-- this is one thing I was wondering about anyway-- never heard it addressed by anyone else. I was on Carnivore for over a year- felt great, pain disappeared, breathing cleared up- bloodwork was perfect-- but I CAN"T STAND meat any more---and the effects came back... so I was considering the MAKER'S DIET (and I think this is the same thing..)

[@mediterraneanminutes]

HI David - I’ve never heard of either of the diets you referenced but it sounds like you are curious and willing to try whatever it takes to feel healthy. Hope the Mediterranean way works for you! Cheers, Caroline

[@LisaBeatsCancer]

Wait what...EVOO goes in the fridge?? I just leave it on the counter.

[@mediterraneanminutes]

And you absolutely can if you are using it up pretty quickly but if it takes you a while, I’d suggest the refrigerator because heat and light can both have a negative effect on olive oil and if you’re interested, I have a 4 part course on my channel you might enjoy. Just do your best to keep it out of the light, not near the stovetop or oven so that it doesn’t deteriorate from light and heat! Hope this helps. Cheers, Caroline

[@LisaBeatsCancer]

@@mediterraneanminutes Very helpful. Thanks so much

[@mediterraneanminutes]

I just published a brand new PDF guide to accompany this video, so if you're interested in having a summary to refer to in the future, click here to subscribe and receive a PDF that will help you learn with plenty of information to get started on your own healthy journey! bit.ly/BESTPREPANDSTORAGETIPS

[@juliaabernathy5520]

There is no list that she said was below.

[@mediterraneanminutes]

Hi Julia - I’m sorry it wasn’t clear that to download the PDF you will have to click on the link in the description and fill out the form to receive it. I have not prepared it as a separate list. I’m really glad though that you enjoyed the video! Cheers, Caroline

[@deliarealtor]

I don’t throw out food, my chickens get a treat.

[@mediterraneanminutes]

Hi Delia and hey that’s awesome. My sister has very well-fed chickens too. The perfect way to reduce, reuse, recycle…hope you get the chance to use both “outputs” from those chickens. Love eggs, love fertilizer! Thanks for joining in the conversation on my channel. Cheers, Caroline

[@virginiacervantes7988]

👍🍊🍅🥕🥒🌹🌹

[@mediterraneanminutes]

Hi Virginia,,,love ❤️ your replies! Cheers, Caroline

[@Brenda-b9r]

Do you have a brother Robert

[@mediterraneanminutes]

Hi - Nope, 4 sisters, 2 brothers but none with the Name Robert!

[@bettypecoraro8104]

🥦🌽🍎🍉🍑🥑👍

[@mediterraneanminutes]

Hi Betty and how creative to use all those perfect emojis...thanks thanks thanks. Cheers, Caroline

[@angelabaker6504]

Hi caroline ime here in the uk i have clicked on your link and filled in my email address but still not received anythink i have tried a few times . I have tried to find you on facebook but cant seem to find you 😔

[@mediterraneanminutes]

Angela - I’m am so very sorry you have had problems and I will work tomorrow to solve it. I have been in the process of making a complete renovation of my website but clearly there is work to do and I didn’t realize it was causing trouble for the email system too. Very very sorry but you can trust I will stay on it until it is resolved for you. Thanks for your patience. Cheers, Caroline

[@mediterraneanminutes]

Hi Angela - I have another idea since I have not been able to figure out why the system isn’t working for you. However, I have figured out how to set up my Contact page on my new - not yet finished - website. So, if you go there…mediterraneanminutes.com. and send me a message on the CONTACT page, I can send you the PDF directly. I hope this helps and again, so sorry for the trouble you had. Cheers, Caroline

[@angelabaker6504]

@@mediterraneanminutes i have sent you my email on your contact page thankyou for your reply.

[@mediterraneanminutes]

@@angelabaker6504 Hi Angela - Somethng is amiss. I did not receive a message from you. I checked my website by sending a message to myself using the CONTACT page form and it worked so I have to figure out another solution. Give me a little time to come up with a way to get you the PDF please. And I assume your email address is just a normal address, right?

[@mediterraneanminutes]

@@angelabaker6504 I think I just figured it out. You need to use the CONTACT page form, not the About me comment section. If you click on the CONTACT menu, there are two dropdowns: ABOUT ME and CONTACT. Click on CONTACT and fill out the form. This will send me a direct email that I can respond to directly too.