Unexpected ways to save money on food living in South Italy

[@MsBritaly]

What tips do you have? Share them below

[@Alessandro-t5x]

Il ragù io lo preparo una buona quantità e lo metto nei vasetti di vetro e li metto in congelatore e all'occorrenza prendo un vasetto dal freezer (lo tiro fuori la mattina) lo lascio scongelare e poi lo scaldo nel pentolino. Una cosa importante, l'olio extra vergine di oliva che trovi al supermercato a prezzi di 3/4 €, non è extra vergine di oliva. L'olio extra vergine di oliva (quello originale) costa al litro 10/15 €

[@MsBritaly]

Grazie!

[@jennifernelson9461]

I definitely agree with the batch cooking tip (#5). I often cook up a huge batch of sugo or ragu and then freeze it in containers that are equivalent to a serving size for two people, so I pull them out to make pasta for myself and my husband. Another tip is to buy a large jar or make a large quantity of pesto and then freeze it in an ice cube tray. That way you're popping out one or two cubes of pesto at a time, which is plenty for two. I don't eat pasta the next day. I would always make that fresh (personal preference)

[@MsBritaly]

Oooh I like the pesto tip! Thanks for sharing!

[@dougstuart8553]

I recently started to use a vacuum sealer and it is really fantastic! Great for storing/freezing sauces and for dividing out packs of steaks/chops/chicken etc. (bought on sale)

[@MsBritaly]

Yes, great idea!

[@felipeiglesias]

You missed one point: if you live in a house with some garden, cultivate some stuff! We have a lot of self-produced food because of our garden and we also share with some neighbours that cultivate as well. Regarding bread: you can also buy more lasting kind of fresh bread that usually last 3 to four days. About wine: it depends on your taste 😂

[@MsBritaly]

Yes of course this is a great tip! We grow basil but that’s it for now

[@spuvenk]

@@felipeiglesias I have always done it every single season. Unfortunately because of orthopedic problems and operations and replacements such as hip and femur prosthesis and other issues have made this quest impossible for at least 2 years to come. I have done this since I arrived in Italy decades ago except when I lived in an apartment where I just grew a few tomatoes and herbs on the balcony.

[@spuvenk]

@@MsBritaly you could grow parsley and even origano, Rosemarie and other herbs. Quite simple. Of course you need to prepare in time and arrange your balcony accordingly.

[@spuvenk]

Coffee. I get coffee beans that work out far cheaper and you get freshly ground coffee AXG time. Coffee shops and wine shops are are great idea. I do that on a day I want to Wander around and when I am not doing the main food shop. I buy my locally made wine from the barrel into 5 litres Demi Johns. I just finished my coffee beans that I bought 5 years ago. I have got fresh beans now that won’t last 5 years but they will last a long time. I just have one coffee per day and sometimes none for weeks. Except if I am in the local cafe’ when I will always have a cofee ( espresso alto or lungo as they say here ). Great episode Claire…..!

[@MsBritaly]

Thank you! Yes, great tip about the beans too!

[@pile333]

Yes, try to read who makes the supermarket brand gelato as well. 😁

[@MsBritaly]

Yes!

[@angeloavanti2538]

Yes. I find store brands as good all the time. Less advertising cost means a lower price to us. Also some of the 'discount' brands have less junk in them. You pay for those extra chemicals. No thanks.

[@MsBritaly]

Yes!

[@tic-tacdrin-drinn1505]

Aldi is only present in northern Italy, with the exception of Liguria.

[@MsBritaly]

Ahhh I thought so - thank you!

[@JagodaiMalina]

I only buy my bread from expensive bakery once a week, and I freeze it. It keeps it fresh and delicious, and i never, ever throw any of it. Another tip is to opt for vegetarian options. Since i stopped eating meat, my grocery bills are much less.

[@MsBritaly]

Great tips! Thank you for sharing!

[@asamicat8323]

To one island to another, Sicily have really low food prices

[@MsBritaly]

Yes, prices here are very reasonable for food.

[@anthonycastagnoli9819]

Grazie for this video. I am moving to Basilicata in less than 3 weeks to apply for dual citizenship through my bloodline. I have budgeted for 6 months and have to be very mindful about staying within my range. I am also vegetarian so hopefully that helps me save money since non mangiarò la carne lol

[@MsBritaly]

Ah great news!

[@pile333]

👏

[@spruzzal67]

Ci sono aziende che producono lo stesso prodotto per diverse aziende cambia solo in marchio solitamente quando faccio la spesa compro sia al supermercato tipo esselunga carrefour ipercoop che al discount come lidl aldi penny market ins dove si trovano prodotti ottimi, ad esempio gli affettati vini ect ect prodotti da aziende più piccole che non si possono permettere grandi pubblicità e costi elevati e non vanno nella grande distribuzione, frutta e verdura esistono i mercati oppure vado anche dal contadino, il cibo poi si cerca sempre di "riciclarlo" usandolo in altre pietanze lo riscaldi per la sera il giorno dopo . Il cibo è sacro come il pane non va sprecato ne buttato. Il vino idem fortunatamente ci sono bottiglie per tutte le tasche poi anche il vino sfuso vicino casa mia ci sono le enoteche dei contadini dove compro anche il vino sfuso a prezzi molto convenienti.

[@MsBritaly]

Si - grazie!