MealTime Success

Spring clean your Pantry

February 26, 2009

Spring is not too far!

Spring is a wonderful time of the year, a season that marks new beginnings and also a great time to enjoy all the fresh produce. Spring cleaning has been a tradition for a very long time, and for good reason. Here are some tips and reminders from MTS on spring cleaning your pantry and get ready for all all the fresh foods. Its worth the time and effort in these last few weeks of winter to prepare your pantry so you can full advantage of fresh produce in spring and summer.

1. Go through your deep freezer and take note of all the frozen vegetables and meats. Make a list and use them as much as as possible in the coming weeks.
2. Use all frozen herbs and dry herbs. Herbs start losing their fragrance and freshness after about a year.
3. Stop buying too many frozen vegetables, in spring and summer make best use farmers markets, fresh herbs from the garden and fresh fruits.
4. Take note of all the canned fruit and vegetables in the pantry and use them up.
5. A good time to organize your pantry and label all ingredients on the boxes.
6. Remember to use all the little left over pastas and saved broths and make hearty soups for the last few frost days left for the season.
7. A great time to start your seeds for growing  your own vegetables, fruits and herbs. Be sure to check gardening websites and stores to take a note of recommended sowing  time.

Keeping your pantry organized and using up old stock of ingredients always help you see the potential of what you already have. Make sure to take the time to cleanup and label all the products and boxes. It even helps to make little stickers with possible recipe titles and stick them onto the boxes to remember how to use them. Always be sure to use the section on the right side of this page called “from the pantry” to get quick ideas on how to use the ingredients you already have.

Keep it Smart, Short and Sazzy! – Anu

Entry Filed under: Tips & Tricks. Tags: pantry.