Buying Seasonal

The latest USDA report on food price inflation says that “although beef prices won’t be increasing as much as expected, beef will remain expensive this year”. But that doesn’t mean you and your family have to eliminate beef from your grocery list - you just have to learn how to shop on a budget and know what to look for in the meat case. Many consumers maybe aren’t aware that beef is also a seasonal commodity. In the summer, when everyone is barbecuing, the focus is on steaks and ground beef and the price reflects that. Same story in the winter when roasts are the top sellers. So, buy your beef in the “off season”. When it’s hot enough outside to fry eggs on the side walk most people aren’t thinking about firing up the oven to cook a roast, but beef producers still have to sell them, so they lower the price. Now is the time to buy your roasts, take them home and wrap them for the freezer. Then, when the weather cools down, you and your family will be enjoying that tri-tip, rump, or top loin roast. Just don’t forget when the weather does cool down that’s the time to be buying your favorite steak cuts. With the right combination of seasonal shopping, watching ads and comparing prices you and your family will continue to enjoy all the foods you love.