As part of my early spring cleaning, I have discovered elements of food hoarding.
This isn't a disease, but it can get out of hand. (If you haven't seen this week's "The Simpsons," look at the episode for examples of hoarding extremes.)
American store shelves are filled with shelf-stable items, so the temptation to overbuy is there. As food prices rise, this temptation becomes stronger since the 6th can of tomato puree may have been cheaper than a can you would buy today in the store.
Winter time is a great time to hoard food, so you aren't going out in a blizzard for something you easily could have bought in November.
However — but — you need to be cautious of expiration dates, freezer burn, and forgetfulness. Put food in your refrigerator and freezer(s), but know what you got, how long it has been in there, and eat what you have.
Saving money only works if you consume what you buy.
When I get a chance to explore my friend's place, I plan to report on the habits of a significant food hoarder. I need more time (and her permission) to take a full look into her freezer. I did get a quick peek; the freezer is packed.
Besides the obvious hoarding problems and waste, packing your freezer affects the temperature of the food in the freezer. Too much of a good thing isn't so good.
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