Buying fresh fruit can be expensive. However, one of the best ways to save money is to buy fruit when it is in season and to buy it in bulk. When a fruit is at its peak of harvest, the supply is high. This drives the price down significantly. By stocking up on these ten seasonal fruits during their cheapest weeks, you can enjoy the best flavors of the season without breaking your budget. You just need a plan to use or preserve your bounty.
1. Strawberries (Late Spring/Early Summer)
Fresh strawberries are at their cheapest and most delicious in late spring and early summer. This is when you can often find large flats of berries for a great price. Buying in bulk is perfect for making jam. You can also freeze the berries to use in smoothies throughout the year.
2. Blueberries (Mid-Summer)
Blueberry season hits its peak in the middle of summer. This is the best time to find great deals on large containers of fresh blueberries. Like strawberries, they freeze beautifully. You can stock your freezer for months of blueberry pancakes and muffins.
3. Peaches (Late Summer)
Late summer brings the peak of peach season. The price per pound drops significantly. Buying a whole box or a half-bushel of peaches is a great value. You can eat them fresh. You can also preserve them by canning or freezing slices for later use.
4. Apples (Fall)
The fall apple harvest brings a huge variety of apples at their lowest prices. This is the perfect time to buy a large bag or a box of your favorite variety. Apples are surprisingly durable. Many varieties will last for weeks or even months when stored properly in a cool, dark place.
5. Pears (Late Fall/Early Winter)
Pears are another fall fruit that offers great value when bought in bulk. You can often find large bags of Bartlett or Bosc pears at a great price. Pears can be canned or made into pear butter. You can also store them in the refrigerator for several weeks.
6. Cranberries (Late Fall)
Fresh cranberries are only available for a short time in the late fall. This is when they are at their cheapest. A bag of fresh cranberries will last for weeks in the refrigerator. They also freeze exceptionally well. You can easily stock up for the entire year during this short window.
7. Citrus Fruits (Winter)
Winter is the peak season for citrus fruits like oranges, grapefruits, and lemons. This is when you will find the best prices on large bags of these juicy fruits. Citrus fruits have a long shelf life in the refrigerator. This makes them a great bulk buy for the winter months.
8. Grapes (Late Summer/Early Fall)
Grapes are harvested in the late summer and early fall. This is when the price per pound is at its lowest. Buying a large bag or even a case of grapes can be a great deal. You can eat them fresh. You can also freeze them for a healthy, icy snack.
9. Watermelon (Summer)
A whole watermelon is the ultimate bulk fruit purchase. At the peak of summer, these large melons offer an incredible value per pound. A single watermelon can provide days of refreshing snacks and treats for a large family. It is a classic and an economical summer fruit.
10. Cantaloupe (Summer)
Like watermelon, cantaloupe is another summer melon that is a great bulk buy. When they are in season, cantaloupes are very affordable. They offer a huge amount of sweet, delicious fruit for a low price. A ripe cantaloupe is a perfect and budget-friendly summer treat.
Buying seasonal fruit in bulk is a smart and delicious way to save money. It allows you to enjoy the best flavors of the year at their absolute lowest price. It does require a little bit of planning. You need to be prepared to use, preserve, or freeze your bounty. However, the reward is a pantry and a freezer that are stocked with the taste of savings.
What is your favorite seasonal fruit to buy in bulk? What are your best tips for preserving fresh fruit? Let us know in the comments!
What to Read Next
- Seasonal Produce: What Fruits and Vegetables to Buy in May
- 12 Fruits That Are Most Often Overpriced Per Ounce
- 7 Fruits Often Better to Buy Frozen Than Fresh
- These 6 Stores Have The Best Fresh Fruits In The U.S.
- Seasonal Produce Guide: Buying in Bulk and Saving with Coupons This Winter
The post 10 Seasonal Fruits That Save When Bought in Bulk appeared first on Grocery Coupon Guide.
