Fresh produce doesn't have to break the bank

It seems the price of fresh fruits and vegetables is going through the roof. For example, my store sells apples for $1.99 per pound when it feels like just yesterday they were only $1.39 per pound. The prices of favorites like lettuce, celery and broccoli also seem to be steadily rising. Rather than give up eating the foods I know are healthy for my family, I've been thinking of ways to find less-expensive, high-quality produce. Here are a few of my ideas:

1. To save money, focus on buying the produce that is in season. It is at its freshest and its most nutritious point when it has been recently harvested. It is also less expensive when it is plentiful. Your store's weekly circular will feature seasonal produce, so you would be wise to plan your meals with those featured items in mind.

You can also get an idea of which fruits and vegetables are likely to be bargains with a monthly guide at the Frugalliving.about.com. For example, October's seasonal items include apples, broccoli, lettuce and pumpkin.

2. Consider "cherry-picking" your supermarkets' deals when it comes to shopping for produce. Check the weekly ads to see if your store's nearby competitor is featuring your favorite produce at sale prices. You may save several dollars by taking 10 minutes to make an extra stop at a different store during the week.

3. Seek out a local farmer's markets for fresh bargains. You will also be helping the environment by supporting businesses that have not had to transport the produce very far from its source, which saves fuel and reduces pollution.

Last week, I stopped by a small local produce stand and was able to pick up perfect, fresh tomatoes for 99 cents per pound, and bananas marked down to 19 cents per pound.

4. Shop for produce at a wholesale club. You can find real bargains in large quantities at wholesale clubs like Costco Wholesale, Sam's Club and BJ's Wholesale. For example, the six-count package of romaine lettuce hearts at my local wholesale club costs the same as the three-count package of the same item at my supermarket. If your household cannot consume the larger quantities of produce in a week's time, perhaps you could combine shopping with a friend or neighbor and divide the produce and cost between the two of you.

5. Visit a no-frills grocery store and compare their produce prices to your supermarket's prices. Stores like Aldi offer limited service, their own store brands and they do not accept coupons. However, they have rock-bottom produce prices and are worth a visit to compare prices on your favorite produce. If you have a dollar store in your area with a produce section, you will find some real savings there.

6. Eat more frozen vegetables. Studies have shown that frozen vegetables are as nutritious or may even be more nutritious than fresh vegetables. Because they are frozen immediately after being harvested, they retain their nutrients. They also take less time to cook and prepare, which I like. There is a wide range of quality when it comes to frozen vegetables, so give a few brands a try. If you have a Trader Joe's near you, their frozen French green beans are high quality, affordable and much easier to prepare than fresh French green beans.

7. Look for reduced-priced produce in your supermarket's produce section. If you plan to eat it immediately, you'll save quite a bit. If your produce department does not offer reduced-priced produce, speak with the store manager and make that suggestion. I did, and now my store sells bananas at half-price rather than throwing them in the trash when they hit their prime. They are just fine for eating that day, to freeze for smoothies or to make banana bread.