Meal Deals: Picking Apples and Beans

Buying fruit and vegetables in bulk can be tough. Even if you see a good price it's tough to take full advantage of the sale. The only way to do it is to make sure you know how to pick and store these fresh items.

An apple a day may keep the doctor away, but it can also help your budget if you know how to buy them. Make sure they have a smooth clear skin. Rub your thumb across the skin. If it wrinkles put it back. To store them put them in a cool dark place or in the fridge. Keep away from strong smelling foods because they will absorb that smell. They can stay fresh for 4-6 weeks. So stock up when you see a good price.

With beans the thinner they are the better to eat. Skip over the ones that are soft, wrinkled or lumpy. Bend before buying. If they bend and don't break that means they're old. To keep them at home put them in an air tight container and don't snap off the ends until you are ready to eat them.

Here is one more tip about beans. Instead of snapping off all the ends just line them up on a chopping board and with one slice of the knife cut off all the tips at once.