Enjoy Premium Cuts of High-Quality Meat Without Breaking the Bank
Enjoying high-quality meat is a tradition appreciated by many households. However, with rising food prices, finding ways to save money without compromising on quality has become essential. Here are ten tips to help you enjoy the best cuts of meat while keeping your budget in check.
Buy in Bulk
Buying meat in bulk is economical. Be on the lookout for specials on certain cuts at your local butcher or supermarket and then stock up. Provided that portions are frozen individually, frozen meat will certainly stay fresh for future preparation.
Buy from Your Local Butchery
Specialist butcheries can quite often offer better prices than large chain supermarkets. Be nice to your local butcher, who is knowledgeable about where the best cuts originate, and who will sometimes give recurring clients discount deals.
Use Loyalty Programs
Many of the supermarkets and butcheries in South Africa have loyalty programs where you get discounts and points to redeem later. Check out programs like that offered by Woolies and Checkers to maximize your savings.
Buy Cheaper Cuts
The less popular cuts of meat are cheaper, yet as tender. Brisket beef, pork shoulder, or lamb shank form some of the tastiest cuts if cooked long. Look for recipes that have these at their center and enjoy a gourmet meal on a shoestring budget.
Look Out for Weekly Specials
Check for weekly specials through flyers or online. Stores like Pick ‘n Pay and Spar are known to have weekly promotions that could help you get quality meat at a lesser price.
Shop at Farmers’ Markets
As many of us might be aware, farmers’ markets are excellent spots for sourcing fresh, high-quality meat at competitive prices. Buying directly from the farmers eliminates the middleman, which in turn gives you premium products at very nominal costs.
Buy Whole Animals
If you have the storage space, consider getting a whole or half animal. It sometimes works out cheaper to purchase this way, granted that you have space for the products and have it processed into the type of cuts that you prefer.
Grind Your Own Mince
You can buy minced meat very cheaply by purchasing whole cuts of meat and grinding it at home. This way, you have control over the quality and even the amount of fat in your mince.
Buy Seasonal Meats
Some meats cost less when they’re in season. For instance, lamb is cheaper during spring. Your meal planning should be in regard to seasonal availability to help you save money.
Reduce Waste
Proper storage and portion control minimizes wastage, immensely. Store meat correctly in the freezer, and use vacuum sealing if possible to extend its shelf life. Proper meal planning will also help you use leftovers efficiently and extend the meat budget.
Conclusion
You can start by saving money on quality meat with just a few clever strategies. You are well on your way to relishing those sumptuous, prime cuts without digging a hole through your pocket by buying in bulk from direct sales of local butcheries and loyalty programs. Take these tips with you and suck up those favourite flavours of meats, keeping those expenses on their toes.
For more tips and the latest specials, visit Woolworths, Checkers, Pick n Pay, and Spar
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