Summary of Episode 287: Save Hundreds on Groceries and Reduce Food Waste: Produce Storage Tips | Amy of The Cross Legacy

In Episode 287 of the Simple Farmhouse Life podcast, host Lisa Bass welcomes back Amy Cross from The Cross Legacy to delve into effective strategies for saving money on groceries and minimizing food waste through optimal produce storage. Drawing from her extensive experience and popular content, Amy shares actionable tips that listeners can implement to create a more efficient and economical kitchen.

1. Guest Introduction

Amy Cross introduces herself as the founder of The Cross Legacy, which began as an Instagram and blog platform during the pandemic. Her mission evolved into answering common questions about grocery shopping patterns, especially during times when families were hesitant to make frequent trips to the store. This focus led to the creation of her best-selling book, "Zero Waste Produce Guide," and a series of viral content that has significantly impacted her audience.

Notable Quote:
"When you follow the directions exactly, your berries are going to last." — Amy Cross (00:30)

2. Effective Produce Storage Techniques

Amy emphasizes the importance of proper produce storage to extend the lifespan of fruits and vegetables, thereby reducing waste and saving money.

a. Berries

• Cleaning Method: Amy recommends washing berries with a solution of distilled white vinegar (5%) to eliminate mold spores and harmful pathogens. The ratio she uses is a quarter cup of vinegar to 10 cups of water, soaking for precisely two minutes.

  Notable Quote:
  "You want to use distilled white vinegar. That's 5%, and that will kill off any of the mold spores, listeria, E. Coli, or any other harmful pathogens." — Amy Cross (00:30)

• Drying and Storage: After washing, berries should be dried on a towel and then stored in a jar with a paper towel to absorb excess moisture. This method can keep:

  • Raspberries/Blackberries: Up to 2 weeks
  • Strawberries: Up to 3 weeks
  • Grapes: 4 to 6 weeks
  • Blueberries: 6 to 8 weeks

b. Cilantro and Herbs

• Storage Method: Cilantro can last 6 to 8 weeks when stored in a glass jar with a metal lid and kept hydrated with filtered water. Cutting the ends enhances water absorption, prolonging freshness.

  Notable Quote:
  "Cilantro will last six to eight weeks in the refrigerator." — Amy Cross (07:25)

c. Produce Buddies

• Avocados and Lemons: Storing avocados and lemons together in the crisper drawer can keep them fresh for over a month. This companionship helps maintain their longevity.

  Notable Quote:
  "Avocados and lemons together will keep each other fresh for over a month." — Amy Cross (14:15)

• Avoiding Fruit Conflicts: Apples, oranges, and bananas should be stored separately as they can accelerate each other's spoilage when kept together.

3. Optimizing Refrigerator Space

Amy shares her approach to maximizing refrigerator space without requiring an extra-large fridge.

• Transferring to Smaller Containers: Instead of keeping large tubs of products like Greek yogurt, transferring them into quart jars with metal lids can extend their freshness and save space.

  Notable Quote:
  "Transferring items into smaller jars can keep them fresh longer and save fridge space." — Amy Cross (12:16)

• Organization Tips: Using acrylate trays and separating different food items into designated containers or drawers helps in easy access and reduces the chances of items getting lost or forgotten.

4. Budgeting Strategies for Groceries

Maintaining a consistent grocery budget amidst rising prices is a key focus for Amy.

• Monthly Budget Maintenance: Despite living in the high-cost Seattle area, Amy manages a $135 monthly grocery budget for her family of two by:

  • Buying Versatile Ingredients: Selecting ingredients that can be used in multiple recipes reduces waste and costs.
  • Focusing on Single-Ingredient Items: Avoiding pre-made or processed foods ensures better control over usage and minimizes unnecessary expenses.

  Notable Quote:
  "Focusing on single-ingredient items helps ensure nothing goes to waste." — Amy Cross (32:24)

• Batch Cooking: Preparing meals in bulk, such as making multiple batches of taco meat, allows for efficient use of ingredients and fewer grocery trips.

  Notable Quote:
  "Instead of making one night's worth of taco meat, I'm making five or six." — Amy Cross (14:15)

5. Adapting to Family Size Changes

Transitioning from a larger household to a family of two necessitated significant adjustments in grocery and storage habits.

• Reduced Purchasing: With fewer people to feed, Amy scaled down bulk purchases and focused on necessities, allocating a portion of her budget for occasional big buys like beef.

  Notable Quote:
  "We are spending $270 a month on groceries and eating 99.9% of the meals at home." — Amy Cross (25:01)

• Utilizing Leftovers: Transforming leftover meats into various dishes like fajitas, tacos, and soups ensures that no portion goes to waste.

  Notable Quote:
  "I can batch cook it and put it in the freezer for easy future meals." — Amy Cross (39:13)

6. Leveraging Technology for Meal Planning

Amy integrates technology to streamline meal planning and inventory management.

• Using ChatGPT: By listing her pantry items in a Google Doc and querying ChatGPT, Amy receives tailored meal suggestions that utilize existing ingredients, reducing the need for additional purchases.

  Notable Quote:
  "Using ChatGPT to plan meals based on what I have is incredibly helpful." — Amy Cross (35:28)

• Photographic Documentation: Taking photos of dinners helps Amy track what meals have been made, enabling better rotation and recollection of favorite recipes without extensive planning.

  Notable Quote:
  "I take a picture of my dinner almost every single night to keep track of our meals." — Amy Cross (47:00)

7. Long-Term Food Storage and Food Security

Establishing a robust long-term food storage system ensures that Amy's family remains resilient against unforeseen circumstances.

• Staple Ingredients: Stocking non-perishable items like wheat berries, beans, and rice provides a solid foundation for various meals without frequent shopping.

  Notable Quote:
  "Wheat berries aren't going to expire until I'm 75." — Amy Cross (63:29)

• Seasonal Consumption: Aligning food usage with seasonal availability helps in managing inventory effectively, such as consuming summer shrimp before winter.

8. Community and Content Creation

Amy discusses the evolution of her audience and how her content now reaches a broader demographic, including older generations seeking food security and efficient grocery practices.

• Expanding Reach: Her YouTube channel now serves not only young mothers but also empty-nesters and older adults looking to optimize their grocery budgeting and reduce waste.

  Notable Quote:
  "I'm reaching the older generation and helping them too." — Amy Cross (51:48)

• Educational Resources: Her book, "Zero Waste Produce Guide," offers comprehensive strategies for produce storage and meal planning, available with a discount code Farmhouse15 through her website and Amazon.

Conclusion

Amy Cross's insights provide a wealth of practical methods for saving on groceries and reducing food waste. By implementing proper storage techniques, optimizing refrigerator space, adopting stringent budgeting practices, and leveraging technology for meal planning, listeners can transform their household management. Amy’s passionate approach not only fosters economic savings but also promotes a sustainable and stress-free kitchen environment.

Resources:

• YouTube Channel: The Cross Legacy
• Instagram: @thecrosslegacy
• Book: Zero Waste Produce Guide (Purchase on Amazon)
  • Discount Code: Farmhouse15
• Website: The Cross Legacy

Timestamp Reference:

• 00:30 – Importance of proper berry storage
• 07:25 – Storing cilantro and herbs
• 12:16 – Optimizing refrigerator space
• 14:15 – Produce buddies and storage tips
• 25:01 – Maintaining a grocery budget
• 32:24 – Budgeting strategies
• 35:28 – Leveraging technology for meal planning
• 39:13 – Utilizing leftovers effectively
• 47:00 – Photo documentation for meal tracking
• 51:48 – Expanding content reach
• 63:29 – Long-term food storage benefits

Note: This summary excludes promotional advertisements and non-content sections from the original transcript to focus solely on the valuable discussions between Lisa Bass and Amy Cross.