What is the cheapest way to add greens to meals daily?

Question

What is the cheapest way to add greens to your meals daily? Learn about affordable and nutritious leafy vegetables and how to incorporate them.

Answer 1

The cheapest way to add greens to meals daily is by growing your own sprouts or microgreens, or by buying seasonal greens in bulk and incorporating them into various dishes.

Detailed Explanation:

Adding greens to your daily meals doesn't have to break the bank. Here's a breakdown of cost-effective strategies:

1. Grow Your Own Sprouts or Microgreens: This is arguably the cheapest option. You can sprout seeds like alfalfa, broccoli, or radish in a jar with just water and a sprouting lid or cheesecloth. Microgreens, such as sunflower or pea shoots, require a bit more effort (soil, tray, and light), but are still very affordable compared to buying them at the store. A single packet of seeds can yield multiple harvests.

2. Buy Seasonal Greens in Bulk: Leafy greens like spinach, kale, and collard greens are often cheaper when they are in season. Check your local farmers' market or grocery store for seasonal deals. Buying in bulk and properly storing them (see Pro Tip below) can save you a significant amount of money.

3. Frozen Greens: Frozen spinach, kale, and other greens are often cheaper than fresh and have a longer shelf life. They are also pre-washed and chopped, saving you time and effort. They are perfect for adding to smoothies, soups, stews, and casseroles.

4. Incorporate Greens into Versatile Dishes: Add greens to dishes you already make. For example, add spinach to scrambled eggs, kale to pasta sauce, or collard greens to soups and stews. This helps you use up greens before they spoil and adds nutritional value to your existing meals.

5. Grow Leafy Greens in Your Garden: If you have space, consider growing your own leafy greens in a garden or even in containers on a balcony or patio. This can provide a steady supply of fresh, affordable greens throughout the growing season.

Pro Tip:

To extend the life of fresh leafy greens, wash and thoroughly dry them, then store them in an airtight container lined with a paper towel. The paper towel will absorb excess moisture and help prevent spoilage.