Vegetables Are Expensive! Or Are They?

Fluctuating prices are hitting our wallets hard. All of us are struggling right now with trying to determine what we should be spending our hard-earned money on. Fresh produce seems to be jumping up in price along with everything else. However, we find ourselves asking “Are vegetables really that expensive”?

The truth is that when you take a closer look they really aren’t that expensive. Below are some practical examples of how to maximize your dollar when it comes to fresh produce.

Mushrooms: These are packed with protein, vitamin D, and iron. All necessary in cutting medical expenses due to lack of nutrition. Here in the midwest I’ve found that a pound of mushrooms is either the same price or cheaper than a pound of hamburger. They make an excellent addition to stretching your meat further.

Broccoli: There are so many vitamins in this green powerhouse! Vitamin C is just one of the many. Broccoli is also high in fiber so it is great for keeping you full. A little bit goes a long way with this one. Add to your favorite dish or make it for a side for a more filling meal.

Zucchini: Summer squashes are great for an easy addition to a meal. You can also slice zucchini thin and roast with seasoning until it’s almost crispy for a great substitute for chips. This one will save you on your snacking.

Cabbage: This one is filling and has some great nutrition benefits as well. Use it to expand a meal by adding it to stir fry, soup, casseroles, etc.

Bell Peppers: It only takes one to give an entire dish some flavor! Red are great for vitamin C and for snacking. These add more fiber as well which makes meals more filling.

These are my top five favorite vegetables to add to meals. They’re all pretty versatile and go with just about anything. It’s garden season right now in the Midwest so I’m finding that I can get some vegetables for free as people are harvesting them. The prices on these have remained fairly steady in the grocery stores over the past year as well. All of them have great nutritional content, make meals more filling, and can even add more flavor. They may seem expensive on the surface, but in the long run they can stretch meals further and have many health benefits for just a few extra dollars!